Since the last issue of Livestock 360, Avian influenza has become a much bigger concern for the poultry industry in the United States. Since the first documented case in December 2014, over 40 million domestic birds have been documented to have the illness. As we reported in our Livestock Weekly Update, over 30 percent of egg producers in Iowa have lost their flocks due to this disease. Laying hens have been impacted because of the high density of commercial egg production. Turkeys, are also particularly susceptible to the flu. Both egg and turkey markets are expected to be significantly impacted by this outbreak.
USDA's Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) posts confirmed cases of Avian Influenza H5N2The site is updated at 4 PM Eastern Monday through Friday. Lab tests that come in after 4 PM each day are included in the next update. http://1.usa.gov/1Q8P0HK. To date over 40 million domestic birds have been affected. In addition cases of Avian Influenza in wild bird populations that have been documented by USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories can be found here http://1.usa.gov/15xZXSX. Wild species with documented avian flu include ducks and geese as well as raptors like hawks, falcons and owls. Currently no cases have been identified in New York State.
Q. How does the avian influenza virus spread in birds?
A.Avian influenza is primarily spread by direct contact between healthy birds and infected birds, and through indirect contact with contaminated equipment and materials. The virus is excreted through the feces of infected birds and through secretions from the nose, mouth and eyes. Contact with infected fecal material is the most common of bird–to–bird transmission. Wild ducks often introduce low pathogenic avian influenza into domestic flocks raised on range or in open flight pens through fecal contamination. Within a poultry house, transfer of the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus between birds also can occur via airborne secretions. The spread of avian influenza between poultry premises almost always follows the movement of contaminated people and equipment. Avian influenza also can be found on the outer surfaces of egg shells. Transfer of eggs is a potential means of transmission. Airborne transmission of virus from farm to farm is highly unlikely under usual circumstances.
Q. What are the signs of illness of birds infected with avian influenza?
A.Low pathogenic avian influenza signs are typically mild. Infected birds typically show signs of decreased food consumption, respiratory signs (coughing and sneezing) and decreased egg production. Birds that are infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza are more severely ill and could exhibit one or more of the following clinical signs: sudden death; lack of energy and appetite; decreased egg production; soft–shelled or misshapen eggs; swelling; purple discoloration; nasal discharge; coughing, sneezing; lack of coordination and diarrhea.
Q. What kind of test is used to diagnose avian influenza in birds?
A.Samples are usually taken by swabbing the mucus that coats the throat of live birds, which does not harm the birds. With wild birds, a fecal sample can be taken instead. These samples go into sealed tubes and are taken to USDA-approved laboratories. The initial test is a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. A PCR test is a rapid method of identifying the virus, typically producing results within 3 hours. If a sample from an area where avian influenza has not been previously detected tests positive on a rapid test, a virus isolation confirmatory test is performed. This test involves growing the sample in embryonated chicken eggs, which then provides the material to allow detailed identification of the strain of virus and whether it is highly pathogenic or low pathogenic. The virus isolation test can take 7- 10 days to produce results. All H5 and H7 isolations are confirmed at the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) National Veterinary Services Laboratories at Ames, Iowa.
Q. What should I do as a poultry owner to protect my flock? Who do I call if my birds show symptoms of bird flu?
A.If you own birds, whether commercial producers or as a backyard enthusiasts, to step up your biosecurity, preventing contact between your birds and wild birds, and reporting sick birds or unusual bird deaths to State/Federal officials, through the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Division of Animal Industry at 518-457-0218 or to USDA APHIS Veterinary Services NY office at 717-540-2777. For small flocks, this can include deaths of one bird per day for 2 days in a row.
Last updated July 26, 2019