
• Winter migratory birds are carriers
• Poultry sector braced for outbreaks
• Good hygiene key to reduce risks
Poultry keepers are being urged to stay on top of their game when it comes to protecting flocks against avian influenza this winter.
It follows two high-profile outbreaks – including highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N5 confirmed in a commercial poultry flock last month near Hornsea, in the East Riding of Yorkshire. All birds were culled to contain the disease.
There are two forms of avian flu: highly pathogenic and low pathogenic avian influenza. Wild birds are natural carriers for these viruses, typically showing few or no symptoms, which can make containment efforts more challenging.
“Highly pathogenic avian flu has a significant impact on poultry,” says Dan Clow, pig and poultry specialist with hygiene experts Neogen.
“Affected birds often display lethargy, severe respiratory distress, cyanosis, edema, hemorrhage, and even neurological symptoms.
“Mortality in poultry from HPAI can be devastating, leading to significant losses for farmers. Due to avian influenza targeting the respiratory and intestinal tracts, oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs are essential for accurate diagnosis.”
Avian flu transmission
Avian influenza spreads primarily through direct contact with infected birds or exposure to their respiratory droplets and faeces. Migratory wild birds pose a key risk as they frequently travel near or over commercial poultry areas.
In addition, indirect transmission can also occur through contact with contaminated materials, including feed, water, litter, equipment, and vehicles. Even clothing and footwear can conceal the virus, with vets emphasising the importance of strict hygiene protocols on farms.
Birds are highly susceptible to infection through inhalation or ingestion, This makes it essential for poultry farmers to implement biosecurity measures to minimise exposure risks.
Biosecurity measures
Implementing a robust biosecurity programme is essential to help prevent avian influenza transmission and keep flocks safe (see panel below).
A well-rounded biosecurity programme is incomplete without effective disinfection. Neogen Viroxide Super offers an effective solution with proven efficacy against H5N1, a prevalent strain of avian influenza, says Mr Clow.
The broad-spectrum powder disinfectant stands out with an in-use dilution rate 15-51% lower than comparable products tested by Defra. This cost-efficient product maintains biosecurity without inflating costs.
Viroxide Super was re-tested against H5N1 this September – and found to inactivate the virus in one minute at the Defra-approved dilution of 1:200, explains Mr Clow.
This rapid response time is vital for preventative controls to help limit virus spread and safeguard flock health, especially in vehicle disinfection and boot dip protocol disinfection.
Value of prevention
Beyond direct health impacts, avian flu outbreaks can devastate poultry farms financially. Diseases like HPAI and Newcastle disease may require mandatory culling leading to production losses and long-term financial strain.
The financial impact goes beyond immediate costs, influencing long-term productivity and profits, says Mr Clow. “With biosecurity as the first line of defence, producers can reduce risks and safeguard their profitability.”
Biosecurity strategy
A biosecurity strategy should involve:
Controlled facility access: Limit access to the production area by maintaining a secure perimeter, logging visitor activity, and requiring thorough sanitation protocols. Ensuring strict entry and exit procedures, like shower-in/shower-out facilities or Danish entry systems, can help limit disease spread.
Vehicle and equipment hygiene: All vehicles and equipment entering and exiting the farm should be rigorously disinfected. Disinfecting both internal and external surfaces helps prevent pathogens from moving between locations and increasing the risk of infection.
Shed separation and cleaning: To contain potential outbreaks, treat each shed as a separate biosecurity unit. Ensure thorough disinfection of surfaces between groups of birds, proper cleaning of water lines, and water treatment to minimise contamination risks.
Wildlife and pest control: Wildlife, rodents, and insects can introduce diseases to your poultry. Limit wild birds’ access to the site, and maintain a pest control programme using rodenticides and insecticides to manage these pests effectively.
Employee education and training: Training all employees in biosecurity measures is essential. This should include training on disinfection, handling practices, and daily adherence to biosecurity protocols.
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