Avian Influenza Update and Disease Prevention Akrum Hamdy

Avian Influenza in the US is NOT the same Virus as “Bird” Flu in Asia

Avian Influenza Nomenclature Birds: Influenza A type virus Influenza A is divided into Subtypes based on their surface proteins: Hemagglutin (HA): 16 subtypes Neuraminidase (NA): 9 subtypes H5N1

Influenza Virus (Flu) Mammals and birds always have flu viruses circulating in their respective populations Horses, Hogs, Humans, and Birds are just a few of the species that are susceptible to flu viruses Flu viruses generally stay within species There are some exceptions like Swine flu, which resides in hogs but can infect turkeys Flu viruses are always changing, that’s why the human vaccine changes yearly

Avian Influenza (AI) North America has always had Avian Influenza strains circulating in waterfowl, wild birds, and live bird markets “Asian Bird Flu”(H5N1) is one of many strains of Avian Influenza Poultry companies and all producers should be concerned about all avian influenza strains, not just “Asian Bird Flu”

Some Perspective on Asian Bird Flu (H5N1) Less than 110 people have died from “Asian Bird Flu” and less than 200 are known to have gotten sick out of 3.7 Billion people in Asia It is not contagious between people People afflicted with this disease had very close contact with sick birds (live with them, butchered and ate products from sick birds.) It has been known to be in Asia since 1997 but recently has moved into Africa and Europe

Asian Bird Flu (H5N1) infects birds easily but does not infect people easily

Factors in Asia that have facilitated H5N1 Infection Eastern Asia has the most poultry and people living in very close proximity Unsanitary conditions Live Bird (Wet) Markets are a primary source for poultry in cities Sick animals are likely to be eaten by impoverished people Consumption of uncooked meat or poultry products (such as raw blood) Cockfighting (highly mobile)

Asian Bird Flu(H5N1) This is not a subtle disease in birds It kills birds very quickly and in large numbers (90% plus) With few exceptions, cases have been in live markets, free roaming birds or birds kept in primitive conditions

Areas outside Asia EU Most of the outbreaks have been single incidences in wild birds (Swans, Tufted Ducks) Record cold in Eastern Europe may have disrupted normal winter nesting areas Three outbreaks in poultry (France, Germany and Sweden EU approved vaccination of birds in France and Netherlands Move birds inside in affected areas

Areas outside Asia Middle East Wild Birds and Poultry Change in Migratory routes Egypt hiding of sick birds lead to human illness Africa Small village flocks

What is being done in US Voluntary (mandatory) surveillance program Must test for exports Mandatory surveillance of live bird markets in NY, NJ and east coast Expansion of surveillance to all poultry events including shows, swap meets, flea markets and auctions Increase awareness among poultry health officials and state officials USDA increase information to small flocks producers Import ban on poultry from Asia and affected areas

Why aren’t we vaccinating our chickens for Asian Bird Flu? Historically, vaccinating for AI meant that a country was not serious about eradication US Poultry relies heavily on exports: Breast meat stays in domestic markets, Leg quarters go overseas U.S. companies believe that trade barriers would be imposed if U.S. vaccinated for AI Overseas opposition to vaccination may vanish as more countries vaccinate for “Asian Bird Flu”

Disease Prevention Disease is any departure from normal

Infected Birds Carrier Birds Human vectors Mechanical vectors Contaminated Feed or Water Wild Birds and Animals Rodents and Insects Dead Birds Manure How are diseases spread

To protect from a biological threat Biosecurity

The Benefits of Biosecurity Helps keep out diseases Reduces the risks Limits the spread of disease Improves overall health of the flock Reduces mortality losses Improves profitability Biosecurity

Biosecurity is not all about AI, there are many diseases that need to be prevented Biosecurity Bursal DiseaseMonthsCoccidosisMonths Fowl CholeraWeeksFowl CoryzaDays InfluenzaWeeksLTDays Marek’s DiseaseWeeksNewcastleWeeks MycoplasmosisDaysSalmonellosisWeeks

Control the things that you can control Identify the things outside your control Let others know about the things outside your control Biosecurity

Biosecurity W’s W ho is on your farm W hat is brought on to your farm W hen are they there W here have they been W hy are they there Biosecurity

Control the Facility Post warning signs Lock buildings Log book of visitors to the farm Do not be afraid to ask where they have been Take measures to prevent contamination (boots are the minimum) Family and friends are visitors Biosecurity

Where have you been? You may be your own biggest risk Personal Hygiene (wash your hands) Designated Clothes and boots for the poultry houses How clean are the floor boards of your truck? The corner store/restaurants/hardware store Have you been near birds (hunting, farm ponds, pet stores, zoos, parks) Biosecurity

Birds of a Feather Waterfowl are a threat Wild birds need to be kept out of the poultry houses and pens Avoid other small flocks, shows, sales, flea market Isolate birds returned or new to farm (30 days) Hatching eggs or chicks less risk If you know of a poultry show or sale in your area contact the Office of the State Veterinarian Clean up spilled grain and feed Biosecurity

Rodents, Animals and Insects The only animal that needs to be in a chicken house and pens is a chicken Active rodent control (bait stations and fresh bait) Clean up spilled grain and feed Mow around the houses, pens and weed control Keep your dogs and cats out of the poultry houses Insects carry disease Biosecurity

Mortality Be aware of changes in mortality patterns Observe the birds Collect dead birds frequently Dispose of them in a proper way Unusual mortality or disease symptoms seek professional help Biosecurity

Shared Equipment and Vehicles Clean and Disinfect shared equipment between farms Establish a wash area away from the poultry buildings Log the events Biosecurity

Personal Hygiene Wash your hands, Wash your hands, Wash your hands Separate clothes and boots for the poultry Protective gear if creating an aerosol Be aware of where you have been Get sick birds to a diagnostic lab If you have a poultry event schedule in your county let the State Veterinarian Office know. What can small producers do?

“Doing the little things now may prevent the need to do major things later” Biosecurity