Things to know about Avian Influenza or Bird Flu.

If you have been watching the news recently. You have probably heard about avian influenza, also known as bird flu, which was discovered in Brevard County. The CDC says the risk to humans remains low as of writing this blog. However, extra care should be taken with your backyard chicken flock.

What is Avian Influenza?

Avian influenza is a viral disease affecting the respiratory, digestive, and/or nervous systems of many species of birds. Avian influenza virus infection can occur in most, if not all, species of birds, both domestic and wild. Wild species of birds usually do not develop clinical disease, but some influenza viruses cause severe illness or death in chickens, turkeys, and guinea fowl. Avian influenza viruses spread through direct, bird-to-bird contact. They can also spread from contaminated surfaces or materials, such as manure, egg flats, crates, other farming materials and equipment, and people’s clothing, shoes, or hands.

What the signs are to determine if your birds have bird flu.

Signs of the disease vary greatly and depend on many factors, including the age and species of poultry affected, husbandry practices, and the inherent pathogenicity of the influenza virus strain. Signs to look for may include:

ruffled feathers
soft-shelled eggs
depression and droopiness
sudden drop in egg production
loss of appetite
cyanosis (purplish-blue coloring) of wattles and comb
edema and swelling of the head, eyelids, comb, wattles, and hocks
diarrhea
blood-tinged discharge from nostrils
incoordination, including loss of ability to walk and stand
pin-point hemorrhages (most easily seen on the feet and shanks)
respiratory distress
increased death losses in a flock

The clinical signs of avian influenza are like those of other avian diseases. Avian flu may be confused with infectious bronchitis, laryngotracheitis, fowl cholera, and the various forms of Newcastle disease.

Treatment

There is no effective treatment for avian influenza. However, good husbandry, proper nutrition, and broad-spectrum antibiotics may reduce losses from secondary infections. It must be remembered that recovered flocks continue to shed the virus intermittently. Taking extra steps, such as disinfecting your shoes, properly cleaning your bird feeders, and protecting your pets, can help stop the spread of avian influenza.

References:

PS38/PS032: Avian Influenza in Poultry. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ps032

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza

https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html