Q - What causes Avian influenza and how can I prevent it?
A – It is caused by a virus of birds which spreads very quickly from bird to bird but causing illness and deaths mainly in domesticated birds.
Q. – Briefly explain what avian influenza is
A – It is a very serious illness of birds which can lead to major loses in birds for those raring poultry. Some of the Avian Influenza virus types can cause illness in humans.
Q – What precautions should a farmer take to make sure the poultry in his/her farm are not affected if neighbours are?
A - Good management practices especially ensuring extreme hygiene, separation of poultry from wild birds and their droppings, using separate equipment and personnel between houses will go a long way to help.
Q – Is it safe to kill and eat the birds that show signs and symptoms?
A – It is not recommended to slaughter and eat sick birds as the disease may be transmitted from birds to humans.
Q – Can I slaughter and eat the meat of Avian Influenza affected chickens?
A – It is not recommended to slaughter and eat sick birds as the disease may be transmitted from birds to humans.
Q – How do I know my chickens have been affected or not by this Avian flu?
A – The disease is usually characterised by the death of a large number of birds within a short space of time. The disease can only be confirmed by tests conducted by Veterinary authorities, hence you should send birds to your nearest Veterinary office.
Q - Does the use of Virukill to spray chicken houses help now?
A – Yes it is helpful to spray houses using Virukill as it is a disinfectant effective in killing viruses
Q – What form of biosecurity can we start taking now to prevent it?
A - It is important to ensure that bird houses are bird proof to prevent contact between wild birds and domestic poultry. There is also need to restrict personnel accessing the bird houses. Strict hygiene also needs to be maintained always. Rodent control should also be implemented.
Q – Does this disease affect road runners?
A – All types of poultry including road runners are susceptible to the disease.
Q – I would like to know how far this avian influenza has gone in our country; and which areas?
A – The disease has to date only affected one poultry establishment in Beatrice. The government is currently carrying out active surveillance to determine if they are any other areas in the country affected by the disease.
Q – Is there protection we can give our poultry?
A – It is recommended that you implement strict biosecurity at your poultry premises which includes restricting visitors to bird houses and ensuring bird sheds are bird proof to prevent access of wild birds into poultry houses.
Q – How do I know my chickens have flu?
A – The onset of high mortalities are suggestive of the disease but it is recommended to report of the events to Veterinary authorities, who are the ones who can confirm the disease.
Q – Are there any vaccines against avian influenza?
A – There are commercial vaccines against avian influenza but they are not available in Zimbabwe and are not recommended for use in the country.
Q – Besides the mentioned wild birds, is there any other source of the flu so that we prevent?
A – Besides wild birds, the virus can also be contracted from infected birds (including poultry) incubating the disease, contaminated clothing, footwear and equipment; and vehicles.
Q – So which areas have been affected in Zimbabwe?
A – To date only one poultry establishment in Beatrice has been affected. Government is currently carrying out active surveillance to determine if there are any other affected areas.
Q – Besides good biosecurity what other measures can one put in place?
A – Good biosecurity is the principal method one can use to prevent the disease as it is relatively cheap and effective. Commercial vaccines have been developed in other countries to prevent the disease but there are safety concerns and hence are not recommended for use in Zimbabwe.
Q – How can I deal with a flock where I noticed one or two birds with symptoms?
A - It is recommended that you contact your nearest veterinarian to assist you in determining and resolving the problem.
Q – What are the measures to be taken care of as to prevent the outbreak of avian influenza?
A – Implementing good biosecurity at ones poultry establishment is central to preventing the spread of avian influenza. This includes restricting access of personnel to poultry sheds, preventing contact between domestic poultry and wild birds, implementing rodent control around poultry sheds and installing foot baths on the entrances of poultry houses.
Q – How does avian influenza spread?
A – Avian influenza can spread through direct contact between susceptible and infected birds, or contact with their secretions and excretions such as respiratory discharges or faeces. The disease can also spread through contaminated feed, equipment, clothing and foot wear. Vehicles can also spread the virus from farm to farm.
Q – What action should a farmer take once he/she discovers that his birds are sick?
A – The farmer should report to the nearest veterinary office once he / she discovers that his birds are exhibiting unusual signs.
Q –How long must I take before I put new birds in a chicken run which had infected birds?
A – A chicken run which previously had infected birds must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected using approved disinfectants, then the houses should be rested for up to a month before placing new birds.
Q – Isn’t avian influenza a man-made virus to sabotage industry and farmers because how do you discover it then all of a sudden it has a cure?
A – The avian influenza virus is not man- made. It is a naturally occurring virus, with wild aquatic being their natural reservoir. The virus passes on to chickens though contact between wild birds and domestic poultry. Avian influenza has no specific treatment.
Q – What are the signs and symptoms of a chicken suffering from avian influenza?
A – The signs of avian influenza are specific to this disease alone as they can also be exhibited by birds suffering from other diseases such as Newcastle disease. They include nervous signs such as leg and wing paralysis; diarrhoea and signs of respiratory distress.
Q – Is there a vaccine that I can buy over the counter?
A – Vaccines against avian influenza are not available in Zimbabwe.
Q – What does this mean to the chicken consuming public?
A - The Avian Influenza type reported in Zimbabwe affects chickens only. It cannot be transmitted from chickens to humans, though there are other virus types in other countries that can cause illness in humans through consumption of infected chickens.
Q – Where did this virus originate from and what are the possible channels it might have come through into this country?
A – Avian Influenza originated in China in 2003 and subsequently spread to other parts of the world. The major possible route that the virus could have entered the country is through migratory wild birds. The virus could also have entered the country on human clothing and footwear..
