BIRD FLU UPDATE.

The highly pathogenic influenza virus has affected more backyard poultry in Washington.The virus has been discovered on 2 farms with mixed specie of birds such as: chicken,turkey,ducks and guinea fowls. The birds died from H5N2 strain of the virus, and all others on the farms have been destroyed to prevent spread. The source of infection has been traced to contact with feces of infected wild ducks.This mode of transmission is easy especially in free range flocks that come in contact with wild birds.The detection of H5N2 strain of the influenza virus in a northern pin tail duck in Whatcom country in December confirmed the bird flu virus infection. The farm, and a 20 mile zone around it has been quarantined at least for 240 days, the quarantine prohibits movement of eggs, poultry/ poultry products outside the zone.The farm has also been disinfected with deep cleaning of equipment. BE PROACTIVE! STEP UP YOUR BIO-SECURITY PROTOCOL. USE

Bird flu.

The avian influenza virus continues to kill more birds in parts of Asia,Canada and India. More birds have been found dead in poultry farms in Taiwan.The virus is moving, be alert,be proactive. Birds infected with the Newcastle disease virus, show the following signs: coughing, inappetence,drop in egg production,poor shell quality, greenish diarrhoea, paralysis,twisting of head and neck, and it also causes high mortality,also affecting varying ages. Some of these signs are similar to that of BIRD FLU, leading to false diagnosis by some farmers who observe such on their farms. When you have a case with high mortality with the bird flu signs, call your vet.