BIRD FLU.

AVIAN INFLUENZA. Avian influenza also referred to as bird flu is caused by the avian influenza virus and affects all species of birds and also affects man. The virus has the virulent and non virulent strains with varying pathogenicity. The H5N1 strain is highly pathogenic and of very important because it affects man and can result in death if not properly managed. The pathogenicity of the strain is typed according to species and virulence and the pandemic nature of the virus makes it a global concern. The bird flu virus has been identified in various species of birds and in other animals, its ability to change host and mutate is the major cause of concern. The bird flu virus has been linked to wild birds, migratory birds and the water fowl which has been identified as the reservoir host. The migratory birds have been identified as carriers of the virus, spreading the virus but not showing any classical sign of the infection. The bird flu virus is passed from bird to bird by contact with infected birds. ROUTES OF INFECTION OF THE INFLUENZA VIRUS. 1) Contact with wild birds. 2) Contamination of feed and water by dropping of infected birds. 3) Contamination of farm sites and surfaces with droppings. 4) Handling dead birds that are incubating virus. 5) Large body of water near farm site, where migratory birds aggregate is a foci of infection 6) Rearing various bird species in a place , especially ornamental birds and domestic birds. CLINICAL SIGNS. The first indication that there is an incidence of bird flu is sudden high mortality, the birds will die suddenly and in large numbers with the birds exhibiting severe nervous signs of vigorous turning and trembling culminating in death. The birds also have purplish-bluish combs, shanks and skin discoloration. The birds may also show bulbous combs and wattle with shut eyes. These signs also include diarrhea, sneezing, depression ,bleeding from eyes and mouth ,ruffled feathers severe depression and shell less and broken eggs.