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Guard your chickens against Bird Flu (Avian influenza)
Since October 2021, the Netherlands has culled over 6 million chickens, ducks, and turkeys either due to Avian Flu infections or as a preventive measure. In 2022, 67 countries in five continents reported H5N1 high pathogenicity avian influenza outbreaks in poultry and wild birds to WOAH, with more than 131 million domestic poultry lost due to death or culling.
By implementing strict biosecurity measures, optimizing hygiene, and promptly reporting any signs of Avian Influenza, you join a community of responsible farmers committed to protecting the industry from this devastating disease.
Here you will find how bird flu spreads, the symptoms and practical steps you can take.
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What is bird flu and what causes it?
The bird flu, also known as Avian Influenza (AI) is caused by the Influenza type A virus and can infect all avian species. There are Low - (LPAI) and Highly (HPAI) - Pathogenic Avian Influenza virus strains. Their subtypes are based on two proteins, hemagglutinin (H1 to H16) and neuraminidase (N1 to N9). To date, the Highly Pathogenic HPAI viruses are often H5 or H7 variants.
The HPAI virus affects internal organs, with a mortality rate up to 90% to 100% in chickens within 48 hours.
How does the Avian Flu spread?
Infected birds can spread the virus through the respiratory system, eye fluids and droppings.
Next to direct contact with infected birds your flock can get infected by getting into contact with:
- Visitors carrying Avian Flu on their person
- Contaminated faeces
- Contaminated materials like shoes, clothing, crates and tools
- Contaminated transport equipment or vehicles
- Contaminated dust (transported through air) from nearby sheds
- Pests carrying the disease
- Contaminated feed and water
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What are the symptoms of bird flu in chickens?
There are two Bird flu symptoms in poultry. The low (LPAI) and highly pathogenic (HPAI) variants have different clinical signs. The below signs are for the hazardous HPAI variant:
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- Sudden very high dropout rates
- Swelling of head and neck
- Dullness, trouble walking
- Tissue necrosis
- Bleeding in legs, comb, wattles
- Respiratory problems (coughing)
- Decreased egg production
- Nasal discharge and infection
- Watery, bloody or green diarrhea
- Ruffled feathers
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Biosecurity measures against Avian Influenza
Good biosecurity is the most important defence that poultry farmers have to prevent the introduction of Avian Influenza to their farms.
Implementing clear hygiene protocols and measures for visitors, vehicles, feed and goods entering the farm are important to prevent the introduction of AI.
Protect your chickens from bird flu with the 4 essential measures below.
The 4 steps to prevent Bird Flu in chickens
As a responsible poultry farmer, it's crucial to take proactive steps to protect your chickens from bird flu and prevent its spread, including implementing these four essential guidelines for safeguarding your flock and contributing to prevention efforts.:format(webp))
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Ensure safe drinking water
A steady supply of clean and healthy drinking water is essential to maintain the health of your animals. Cleaning and disinfecting the water lines helps to prevent the introduction of Avian Influenza through the drinking water system. Especially when using surface water as a source for drinking wate:format(webp)){kind=logo}
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