PREVENTION OF INFECTION WITH BIRD FLU VIRUS IN MAN.

The bird flu virus infection in man can be prevented by observing a simple technique of washing,disinfection , decontamination and wearing protective clothing such as overalls,gloves,boots , googles and nose masks. PROTECTIVE CLOTHING; This is very important for poultry workers, handlers and veterinary officers that are in constant contact with birds of various specie.The protective clothing include boots, aprons,overalls,gloves and hair nets. The protective clothing must be washed and disinfected daily to prevent spread of infection.When there is an incidence,the protective clothing must be discarded.When working in a farm with an outbreak of the bird flu virus,utmost care must be taken to prevent infection.All biosecurity protocol must be observed. HAND WASHING. This is of high importance, hands must be washed and dipped in disinfectants that are potent against major poultry diseases especially avian influenza.Hands are to be washed and disinfected any time you touch/handle poultry. Hand washing should also be encouraged whenever you touch/come in contact with poultry implements,tools and equipment.It is of utmost importance to wash and sanitize any tools or implements that are introduced to your farm. Hand washing and sanitizing is a sure way to stay safe. PROCESSING LIVE POULTRY. Ensure the poultry is clean and not infected.Do not buy dead birds,do not process dead birds. Do not consume under-cooked or un cooked poultry. The exchange of egg crates is also a possible route of infection,thus when you want to buy eggs,ensure crates are clean and hand wash immediately after touching crates. ensure you discard paper crates and always disinfect plastic crates. Hand washing after handling,processing poultry.Sanitizing will go a step further to ensure safety.. Avian influenza can be prevented; Inculcate good hygiene protocol of hand washing and sanitizing every time you touch poultry and handle poultry products.

FISH HEALTH .

Fish should be observed on a regular basis for signs of ill health,stress or any discomfort.This is the main reason why you must master your fish behavior;swimming patterns,feeding and response to stimuli so that any changes will be noticed and addressed. There must be an operational protocol,where the pipe works, pumps and general system are checked for leaks,damage,breaks or blockages . The pond is the controlled environment of the fish,and the health status of the fish is hinged on its stability and balance. Potential problems /deaths in ponds has been traced to biofilters.When nitrogenous wastes accumulate in ponds,they increase ammonia levels in ponds,causing death of microrganism in the biofilters which results in mass death of fish. The water parameters are to be checked at regular intervals as these are indicators of fish health status; dissolved oxygen,temperature,ammonia level,nitrate,nitrite,pH and phosphate are very important. Fish health can be judged good/bad based on observation.When fish are flicking or flashing its an indication of parasitic infestation or high nitrite concentration in water.Fish jumping also indicate parasitic infestation,gill problems or irritating contaminates in water. Rubbing against fish tank/wall is a clear indication of parasitic infestation.Stress is to be suspected when fish are swimming slowly,resting down in the pond and refusal of feed.Mucus covered fish points to stress as well as parasitic infestation Fish gasping for fresh air on water surface,or hanging around water inlet indicate a low level of dissolved oxygen in the pond. Parasitic infection could be by bacteria,fungi or viruses.Parasites could infect or infest the body of fish as in the case of fish lice,which causes severe irritation. When fish is observed with clamped fins,red streaks on skin its indicative of a bacterial infection,while whitish spots on fish giving a cotton-wool appearance is indicative of viral infection,these are usually complicated by secondary bacterial infection. Fish could also show lumps or pox-like lesion as in the case of carp pox,these usually disintegrate leaving ulcers that are also complicated by bacteria.Worms also affect health of fish,tapeworms in fish cause a change in body color resulting in dark-colored fish ,that are weak and swimming with open mouths The anchor worm causes proliferation of muscle. Fish farms must have some materials to facilitate easy management ,ease handling and ensure survival and health of fish.These include nets,water kit,bowl,gloves and indicator paper.