ABOUT US |  FAQ |  DELIVERY |  LINKS

Avian Flu (4): The disease in birds
Millions of birds have been infected with the H5N1 avian flu virus. Many of them already died and the disease has spread from Asia to the UK despite aggressive sanitary measures. This podcast analyses how the disease is affecting the birds themselves: How does it spread? What are the symptoms? Where does it happen and what to do if you find a dead bird in the UK?
Your Flash Player is not up to date, please download the latest Adobe Flash Player
OR
Your browser security level is high, please change it to MID HIGH security level


1. How does the virus spread from one bird to another?

Direct contact between birds:

  • Inhalation of influenza particles in nasal secretions

Spread over very large geographic areas through indirect contact:

  • Contact with the droppings of infected birds


The threat of migrating waterfowl:

  • Carry the virus
  • No obvious disease
  • Difficult to control

These viruses that cause no obvious disease in waterfowl can be lethal in domestic poultry. It is interesting to note that amongst domestic poultry, turkeys are more commonly infected than chickens. Finally, illegal trade of poultry is thought to contribute to the spread of the disease which is a sobering thought.

2. What are the clinical signs of the disease in birds?

The clinical signs of avian flu are extremely variable. However we can classify them broadly into 4 categories:

1. Acute

  • Death 24 to 48h

2. Sub-acute

  • Respiratory signs
  • High mortality

3. Mild form

  • Low mortality

4. Asymptomatic

  • Migrating waterfowl
3. Which are the countries affected at the beginning of 2007?


To start with, the virus spread mainly in Asia. However the avian flu virus has now been found in the Middle East, in Africa and more recently in Europe. It has also been found in the UK and its closest neighbouring country, France.

Up to the beginning of 2007, a total of nine wild birds have tested positive for the highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 strain in the UK and 58 countries or territories reported the isolation of the avian flu virus in domestic or wild birds.

It has not happened yet but it is possible that it would spread all over the world.

For the most up to date information, visit the WHO website (World Health Organisation).

4. What do you have to do if you find a dead bird in the UK?

Appropriate handling applies in all circumstances where you may come across a dead bird, regardless of whether there is any avian flu in the UK.

Let’s outline a few important points:

1. Contact DEFRA directly and avoid any handling of the birds if:

  • Dead wild gulls, waders, ducks, geese or swans
  • The die off involves more than 10 birds

2. Do not need to contact DEFRA if:

  • Single dead bird or less than 10
  • Garden

You should then:

  • Leave it alone which is best
  • Or follow the precise guidelines for disposal

For more information, check out the DEFRA website (Department for Envirronment, Food and Rural Affairs).


TAG : Avian_flu, Poultry, Influenza, H5N1, Bird, Chicken, Turkey, Water_Fowl


Conditions of Use & Sale | Privacy Notice © 2007, Vetstoria.com - made by dogstudio & Edit It - Animals by pitaya