Avian influenza, commonly known as ‘bird flu’, is the general name for a form of viral disease that affects birds, particularly poultry. This disease is caused by a virus which has multiple strains or types, some of which are more dangerous than others. The strain that is the cause for current concern is H5N1.
The H5N1 strain may cause disease in chickens and some other species of birds; while 90-100 per cent of infected birds die within 48 hours post-infection.
The largest and most severe record of bird flu was in Southeast Asia in late 2003. This outbreak resulted in the death or destruction of an estimated 250 million birds.
In the last one week, the bird flu has spread through 19.4 per cent of the country. Current reports reveal that the number of states affected has increased from two to seven and about 140,390 birds have contracted the disease. The affected states include Lagos, Kano, Ogun, Delta, Rivers, Edo and Plateau states. So far, 21 commercial farms, nine live bird markets and one private zoo have been affected in the seven states.
Transmission of the virus
The Avian influenza virus is usually transmitted during seasonal migration of birds such as cattle egrets and water fowls like ducks, geeze, etc., from area where outbreaks have occurred. The influenza virus can also be spread by dissemination mechanisms within the poultry sub-sector itself, such as live poultry movements or transports involving infected materials such as unclean cages or dirty egg crates. Transmission to humans is usually contacted via direct contact with infected poultry or surfaces, most likely during slaughtering, plucking and butchering.
Control measures
Wash your hands after handling birds, cooking or preparing poultry products, and before eating. In addition, eat only well-cooked poultry products. Do not eat sick or dead chickens and do not give or sell them to others. Keep chickens from infected flocks out of the food chain and do not feed them to other animals. Seek immediate treatment from your doctor if you have fever after being in contact with sick or dead poultry.
It is safe to eat birds and poultry products
Birds and poultry products can also be safely consumed, provided they are properly cooked and properly handled during food preparation. In addition, we need to be aware of the risk of cross-contamination. When preparing food, juices from raw poultry and poultry products should never be allowed to touch or mix with items that are eaten raw such as fruits, bread, etc. It is sufficient to use soap and hot water. Birds that have been ill and died should not be eaten or given as feed to other animals.
Wash your eggs
Wash the outer surface of eggs with water and soap to remove any dirt or faecal matter before storing, cooking, or using as ingredient in sauces, cakes or other foodstuffs. There is no evidence that properly cooked poultry or eggs can be a source of infection.
Bird flu cannot be transmitted through food
Avian influenza is not transmitted through cooked food. To date, no evidence indicates that anyone has become infected following the consumption of properly cooked poultry or poultry products.
Humans can be infected
The probability of humans being infected with avian influenza directly from birds is extremely low. However, cases of infection have been recorded. To be on the safe side, children should not pick up or handle feathers or dead birds.
Cats, dogs can be affected
Cats can be susceptible to avian influenza viruses, and research in cats has shown that H5N1 can be transmitted from cat to cat. Dogs have also been infected, but the probability of H5N1 infection in pet animals is low. Please, do not feed infected, sick or dead chickens to cats or other animals.
What bird owners should know
All keepers of birds should be vigilant about the health of their birds. Start to plan how you intend to isolate your birds in the event of an emergency. If an outbreak of the bird flu has occured in your area, you must be ready to house and isolate your birds, and ensure that proper hygiene/biosecurity is practised when entering or leaving the housing unit where the birds are kept. If this proves too difficult and your birds are still healthy, you may consider butchering the birds before the disease comes to your garden.
What to do if you see dead birds
Finding a single dead bird is no cause for alarm because birds may die from natural or routine causes. However, if you come across significant numbers of dead birds, you should report the finding to the veterinary or health authorities who will take the appropriate step to remove the birds and arrange for autopsies to determine the cause of death. Please, avoid touching the carcasses.
Signs of avian influenza in birds
The severity of signs depends upon the strain of virus and the type of bird infected. Clinical signs include ruffled feathers, lack of coordination (including inability to walk or stand straight), difficulty in breathing, loss of appetite, depression and droopiness, bluish colouring of wattles and comb, edema and swelling of head, eyelids, comb, wattles, hocks, watery diarrhoea, pin-point haemorrhages (mostly visible on feet and shanks), bloody or watery discharge from nose or beak, sudden fall in egg production, eggs with soft or deformed shells, and a loss of appetite. Please note that some of these signs could also indicate Newcastle disease, so you should seek veterinary advice to establish the exact nature of the disease affecting your poultry. The veterinarian should take samples or even a few birds for further analysis in a laboratory.
Have a blessed weekend.