Lessons from avian flu outbreak in India and preventive measures

Pashu Sandesh, 06 July 2021

Dr V. Rajendra Prasad

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is one of the biggest fears for poultry producers, It has given the industry plenty of food for thought on how to improve responses to future emergencies. Outbreaks of HPAI in India have originated in populations of migrating wild birds and spread to domestic flocks. The economic effects of HPAI outbreaks were significant and far-reaching in India that directly affected the livelihood of many.

Recognising disease signs and preventative measures are crucial.  Early detection is crucial to get control of future outbreaks – and knowing the signs of HPAI is vital for both commercial and backyard poultry producers.

HAPI should be suspected if there’s an unexplained :

a) increase in mortality, 

b) decreased egg production, 

c) respiratory signs, 

d) extreme quietness, 

e) depression of the birds, they should be investigated.

Biosecurity can prevent avian influenza if used consistently. 

a) Maintain sanitation of property, poultry houses, equipment, vehicles and footwear: 

b) Disinfect regularly. 

c) For commercial poultry owners, clean and disinfect housing at the end of a production cycle. 

d) Wash your hands before and after contact with birds.

Prevent wildlife access: 

a) Install exclusionary netting, 

b) screens.

Keep control over the access of people and equipment to poultry houses.

a) If infected wild birds are in the area, 

b) reduce the movement of people, 

c) vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry are kept.

Maintain surveillance: 

Follow regulations regarding breeder flock monitoring and testing protocols as a minimum guideline.

Report illness and death of birds: 

a) Contact a Veterinarian if you have any concerns.

b) Quick actions will help to protect other flocks in the area if the disease is confirmed.

c) Pay special attention to the line of separation.

Vaccination can be a powerful tool to support eradication programs if used in conjunction with other control methods.

 Making sure that garbage and dead birds are picked out outside of your perimeter buffer areas are crucial and really important as the virus can certainly move through the movement of dead birds and garbage off the farm.

New poultry owners should familiarise themselves with biosecurity and means of reducing disease in their birds. Hypothetically, Influenza not only affects their infected flock but also affect neighbouring sheds.