BIO SECURITY AND BIRD FLU.

Bio security is undoubtedly a means of averting disease outbreak and curb spread of diseases. A farm without adequate bio security protocol is only asking for trouble. Here in these pics ;see how a breech of biosecurity protocol caused havoc on this farm.

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.

Avian influenza ; in the news.

The H5N1 bird flu virus has been detected in the following states in Nigeria; Lagos,Ogun,Edo,Delta,Rivers,Kano and Plateau. A total of 140,390 birds have been exposed to the virus out of which 22,573 have died, and others culled. The farms have been decontaminated,quarantined and bio-security protocol enhanced .The area of infection include:21 commercial farms,9 live bird markets and a private zoo. The H5N1 virus has registered its presence in Egypt,with number of cases increased to 21 ,with 16 deaths.The infection occured in people who had close contact with infected birds/contaminated surfaces,handling and processing of birds. Israel has joined in the HPAI trend,as the virus has been discovered in Aviel farm,as @ 20/1/15; 15,000 birds have died.In a Palestinian coop,4000 birds have died. The H5N1 virus has affected 30000 birds in Israel,with 15,000 deaths and other birds destroyed. The culling of affected flock is ongoing,backyard birds will also be culled. The health officials in Israel have provided 100 safety suits for those handling infected birds, and also 1000 Tamiflu bottles provided in hospitals. The HPAI infection across the globe is a wake up call for all to imbibe high levels of bio-security protocol and ensure strict compliance. WE CAN STOP THE BIRD FLU VIRUS! STEP UP YOUR BIO-SECURITY PROTOCOL! USE VIRKON® S. The power is in your hands! Wash hands with soap and water and sanitize hands.

VIRKON® S

VIRKON® S has been proven to be the disinfectant of choice in cases of outbreaks especially for avian influenza.The effectiveness of the disinfectant, coupled with the fact that its safe,non toxic,easy to transport, store, and use has made it a major bio security component. The uses are varied, method of use also differ but the same result of a disease-free zone is achieved.The major component in bio security protocol as its highly effective,stable and ingredients are degradable. VIRKON® S is in powder form and tablet form, this come in handy now that avian influenza cases are reported in some countries.The best approach will be to embark on mass decontamination of poultry markets, disinfection of farms and education of populace about the bird flu virus. The movement of birds across states should be prevented at this time, also import of processed birds should also be prevented and surveillance points at borders, control post ,ports and airports should be on alert ,so they can notify the appropriate authorities if any emergency. BE PROACTIVE! THINK BIO SECURITY! THINK VIRKON® S!. GET IT NOW!!!!!!.

BIO-SECURITY : KEY TO DISEASE PREVENTION.

Poultry health management is important due to emergence of highly pathogenic diseases like Highly Pathogenic Avian influenza (HPAI) in different parts of the world.

Bio-security measures are vital for better performance in the poultry sector. Bio-security has three major components: isolation, traffic control and sanitation. When new chicks arrive, it must be quarantined for three weeks in respective farms. Sick birds must be kept in isolation.

 Different age /sex groups are placed separately to minimize the risk of disease spread. Poultry health management and treatment procedure must organize means of isolation.

New birds represent a great risk to bio-security because their disease status is unknown. They may have an infection or be susceptible to an infection that is already present in the birds.