Telecommunication: Northern Ireland launches avian flu text alert service.

Northern Ireland launches avian flu text alert service.New service designed to inform poultry keepers of disease outbreaks.

Northern Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has launched a new text alert service to inform poultry producers of any disease outbreaks. 

 The new system ‘goes live’ as Northern Ireland Chief Veterinary Officer for Robert Huey urges farmers and other bird keepers to remain vigilant to the threat of avian influenza as the migratory cycle begins.

FEED TREATMENT CAN INACTIVATE THE AVIAN INFLUENZA VIRUS.

Avian influenza (AI) virus may survive in chicken feed thus treatment of feed is therefore of utmost importance. This was stated by independent poultry veterinarian Dr Haroldo Toro at the IPPE. Dr Toro, Professor with Auburn University's Department of Pathobiology, Alabama, USA, revealed results from the first phase of a research project exploring effects of feed treatment including a pathogen control agent* on AI. This control agent is a blend of formaldehyde, propionic acid, terpenes and surfactant. "We tested the viability of one strain of AI in feed after treatment with this agent. Under experimental conditions the product offered an extremely high level of AI virus inactivation (99.9%) within 1 hour," he explained. Migratory birds are widely accepted to be responsible for inter-continental and inter-state spread. The answer as to how individual farm biosecurity is being breached, though, is more complex. There are multiple mechanical vectors under the spotlight, with feed appearing on that list for two reasons. Firstly, migratory birds settle and shed on feed raw materials such as corn. Any protection normally offered by heat in the pelleting process is absent, as layers and turkeys are predominantly fed mash." Dr Lorenzoni believes the pattern of clustered local incidence following an initial outbreak could be linked to the virus's ability to survive in water sources, and the frequent transfer of passerines and vermin between water and stores of finished feed. "We know small birds and rodents are efficient mechanical vectors, and that they are attracted to water and feed, effectively building a bridge between migratory birds and farmed poultry. Our pathogen control agent has the potential to break that transmission route. While we're in the early stages of confirming its residual impact on AI, our experience with Salmonella suggests we can protect the feed against re-contamination for up to 21 days post pelleting." story source; world poultry.

AVIAN INFLUENZA # SULTANPUR NATIONAL PARK IN INDIA.

Avian influenza has killed migratory birds in Sultanpur national park and bird sanctuary in India,according to mail online at least 45 birds has died as @ 11/1/2015. A total of 14 were sighted on the 10/1/2015,amid scare over the highly pathogenic strain of Avian influenza spreading in the region.The forest and wildlife department are on alert about the issue.The district administrator has also alerted neighboring Delhi country parts to keep a close eye on ill or dead birds in their respective areas. The forest officer awaits directives from the state headquarters on line of action which could include culling the birds or closure of the park. The role of the migratory birds in the spread of the bird flu virus cannot be over emphasized, hence the interest in their health status and recent route map. This period also plays a role in the spread of bird flu virus, as this season corresponds to their breeding season; thus the mass movements of migratory birds at this time.This period facilitates their breeding, causing them to move out in large numbers,in different directions to various locations. LOOK out for cases of dead birds,ducks or even wild birds/ birds not common to your district and report to the vet authority near you. BE PROACTIVE; BIO SECURITY AND SURVEILLANCE IS STILL THE BEST WAY TO STOP THE VIRUS.