BIRD FLU............NEWS TODAY.

The avian influenza virus is still very much around ,and only active surveillance,isolation and decontamination can actually prevent an epidemic. The avian influenza virus has ravaged poultry in many countries,causing death in some humans and has caused untold hardship to affected small scale farmers and severe economic losses to affected countries. The latest to feel the avian influenza surge is Stearns county in Minnesota where the virulent avian influenza strain H5N2 has been discovered in a flock of 39,000 turkey farm. The farm in Stearns county ,northwest Minneapolis is currently quarantined and all flock culled to prevent spread of the virus.There has been recent infections of avian influenza in states stretching from Arkansas to Oregon,this has prompted overseas buyers to limit imports from the United states. The avian influenza virus has been traced to the water fowl and wild birds that are usually migrating, carrying the virus and shedding same in their drooping and bodily secretions.Its the contamination of the feed/water source of domesticated poultry that facilitates spread of the virus.The reported outbreaks have stemmed from poultry in close proximity to large bodies of water and those backyard farms that wild birds can easily access. The avian influenza virus is very virulent with a sudden onset affecting all the flock with signs such as bulbous comb and wattles which are blood tinged,bloody shanks,severe nervous in coordination expressed as severe tumbling/rolling over and this culminates in death. The bio security protocol is of paramount importance in curbing the spread of the virus; cleaning and disinfecting poultry houses,barns,yards are important.Collection of poultry birds from disease- free stock,isolation/quarantine of new stock,provision of foot dip with disinfectants,purifying water source and restriction of visitors to poultry houses. The chemical of choice that is internationally acclaimed to kill the avian influenza virus is the VIRKON S, the regular use on the farm will prevent the entrance of common farm pathogens and especially the avian influenza virus.