Disease sheet · NEXTEKCI School
Avian influenza
highly pathogenic avian influenza · HPAI · bird flu
A highly contagious viral disease whose severe forms kill a large part of a house within one or two days. It spreads with wild birds, ducks and poultry from live bird markets, and it can also infect people. Notification is compulsory.
Type
virus
Severity
very serious
Who is affected
All poultry and wild birds; it can affect people.
Most affected age
All ages.
Notifiable disease: inform the veterinary services without delay.
Signs to look for
- •Massive, sudden mortality with no obvious cause.
- •Very dull birds that stop eating.
- •Swollen or bluish head, comb and wattles.
- •Reddened legs.
- •Respiratory or nervous signs, diarrhoea.
- •In layers: sudden drop in laying.
How it spreads
- •Wild birds, ducks and live market poultry.
- •Droppings, feathers, carcasses, contaminated surface water.
- •Vehicles, crates, sacks, egg trays and people coming from an affected area.
Not to be confused with
- •Newcastle disease
- •Fowl cholera
- •Heat stroke (sudden deaths)
Prevention
- •Strict biosecurity: fencing, a single entrance, few visitors, farm boots and clothing.
- •No contact with wild birds, ducks or market poultry.
- •Water and feed stores covered and out of reach of wild birds.
- •When outbreaks are reported in the country or nearby: no visitors at all, vehicles disinfected, feed delivered to the farm entrance.
- •Any vaccination measure is decided solely by the veterinary services.
What to do if you suspect it
- •Close the house and the farm: nobody goes in or out; no bird, egg, crate, sack or vehicle leaves the farm.
- •Call the vet in your area or the nearest veterinary services officer immediately.
- •Notify: it is compulsory, and it is what protects your neighbours.
- •Sell nothing, give nothing away, eat nothing from sick or dead birds.
- •Keep carcasses in closed bags, set apart, until the veterinary services decide.
- •Protect yourself: gloves, mask and boots; wash hands with soap; no children in the house. If you develop fever or a cough after contact, go to a health centre.
This sheet helps you recognise the disease and react quickly. It does not replace the veterinarian: only they can diagnose and prescribe a treatment. Worried about your flock? Write to us on WhatsApp at +225 05 44 83 27 79.