DISEASE TRANSMISSION ON FARMS AND COMMON DISINFECTANTS.

Unrestricted movements to farms,across farms and from other farms to your farm. Contamination of feed and water with droppings. Contact with wild birds,infected birds and exotic birds. Contaminated farm equipment and tools. Soiled hands. contaminated plastic and paper crates. Inhaling infected Respiratory droplets. All these routes of transmission can be curtailed with strict bio security protocol; which should include isolation ,washing, and disinfection .The pathogens are usually inactivated by potent disinfectants that contain active ingredients that destroys these pathogens; these include lipid solvents,saponated cresols,phenol compounds,formaldehyde,lodine compounds,hypochlorite, and ammonia compounds. There are various compounds with varied potency,hence its imperative to tailor your disinfectants to match the pathogens to ensure efficacy.

VIRKON® S, A POTENT DISINFECTANT.

The use of virkon s can not be overemphasized because of the tremendous success it has achieved in farms,hospitals food industry etc.There are various applications for the virkon s in various sectors,but we will focus on its uses in the farm. Virkon S a virucidal disinfectant is used in the following ways; 1) foot dip 2)aerial disinfection of buildings in the farm,cages,animal housing e.t.c.3) treatment of water source The benefits of using virkon s are as following; its potent against various pathogens such as virus,bacteria and fungi ,thus making it suitable as a bio-security tool and also in cases of emergency disease control .It serves multipurpose function and its easy to transport .Its of value in the food industry as it has been proven to eliminate the salmonella super strain,the rate at which virkon s kills pathogen is 10 times faster than similar agents. Virkon S used for aerial disinfection;the virkon s is prepared at a dilution rate of 1:200/10sqm floor space,the solution is placed in knap sac and spray nozzle is set to fine droplet and solution is applied to desired areas.The major advantage is that the solution can be used in presence of animals in cages ,pens and other shelter type. The virkon s can also be applied to birds in deep litter ; this is achieved by sprinkling some quantity of the powder an the litter and its turned to make it fresh and clean,this will also eliminate odor from the poultry house. THINK VIRKON S!!! BIO SECURE YOUR FARMS!!!

A CASE SCENARIO # BIRD FLU VIRUS.

The world being a global village, facilitates trade interaction between countries and also promotes smuggling of animals along trade zones. The international air travel and smuggling is a major route of introducing and spreading of the bird flu virus. A case readily comes to mind about a Thai man that brought in 2 eagles to Europe in 2004.The birds were seized at customs because import of birds to Europe from Asian countries is prohibited. The seized birds seized at the Brussels international airport showed no signs of bird flu.The birds were killed and upon diagnosis in the vet department,the HPAI was confirmed. The authorities swung in to action and traced birds that had passed through customs with the birds,they found 2 parrots,2000 parrots in quarantine and 400 birds in another quarantine area,all birds were culled to forestall spread. The health authorities went further and traced all those who had contact with the eagles;they were identified,isolated and treated with Tamiflu. The Thai man reported himself to the police when he heard that the birds were H5N1 POSITIVE,he was isolated and treated.All those who had contact with the birds were asymptomatic except the VET,that euthanize the birds,he was isolate and treated same with members of his family. The main reasons we are recording outbreaks of various diseases around the world is because of international trade facilitated by travel and also smuggling along trade routes.Stuffed animals,hides of skin used to make drums, tools/equipment have all been implicated in spreading of various diseases. It will be appropriate to advise everyone to stay away from exotic animals, do not touch them if found in the wild and dont smuggle in animals off unknown origin. BE PROACTIVE! STOP THE BIRD FLU VIRUS.

STOP BIRD FLU!!!

The avian influenza virus ravaging poultry in some countries now and death of humans in other countries, have been linked to migratory birds that harbor the virus.The interaction of the migratory birds/ waterfowl/game birds with the domestic birds results in the fulminating HPAI infection. The virus is spread from bird to bird and flock to flock by direct/indirect contact with droppings & secretions and contaminated feed/water. The virus can be stopped by practicing basic bio security protocol, isolation and hand hygiene. The virus can be stopped in the following ways; 1) Curb smuggling of exotic birds into the country. 2) Strict custom regulations concerning import of poultry products/ birds from countries battling with the virus. 3)Enhanced bio-security in farms, live bird markets,and slaughter houses. 4)Avoid contact with infected carcasses and proper disposal of affected birds. 5)Active surveillance of farms/live bird markets/slaughter houses. 6) Early diagnosis and commencement of treatment using Tamiflu,in human subjects. 7)Mass sensitization of citizens on the virus, its mode of spread,signs of infection, and prevention strategies. 8)Hand washing policy in daily activities, the importance should be emphasized to the citizens. 9)Wear protective clothing if you work with birds. 10)wear mask,gloves if you work in an hospital,attending to infected humans. 11) Site poultry away from living quarters. 12)Control human and vehicular traffic to farms. The bird flu can be stopped, lets stop it together. BE PROACTIVE! STOP THE BIRD FLU VIRUS! USE VIRKON® S,ITS A POTENT DISINFECTANT! USE IT NOW! ITS IN YOUR HANDS.

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.

AVIAN INFLUENZA IN MAN.

Avian influenza also referred to as bird flu caused by the bird flu virus is of various strains and virulence.The various strains of the bird flu virus has various virulence in various animal specie including man. The H5N1 strain is very virulent in chicken and highly pathogenic in man. The possible route of infection with the bird flu virus are as follows; 1) contact with infected birds. 2)contact with surfaces,floors,clothing and tools contaminated with infected poultry droppings. 3)Living in close proximity with poultry houses and sharing gadgets,implements and tools. 4)Processing infected poultry. 5)Handling dead infected poultry. 6)Visiting aviaries,parks and wild life resorts where there is an incidence and where large numbers of reservoir host. 7)Purchasing artworks or decorations made from infected birds such as feather pens,hand fans and feather mosaics. 8)Purchasing furnishings made from infected poultry such as pillows,foot cushions,throw pillows with feather stuffing's. 9)Visitations to live bird markets with various species of birds from various sources with critical health status. 10) Handling infected organs from birds especially when collecting samples. Avian influenza in man can be treated if the patients starts medication and treatment early.The signs include fever,severe headaches,followed by chest pain,coughing and sneezing.This is accompanied by muscular pains and generalized body weakness. The patient is usually isolated and treated with Tamiflu,the prognosis of which depends on the time of initiation of treatment. Avian influenza is deadly but preventable,stay safe. Hand washing after handling poultry and also restriction of visits to parks and zoos where incidence of bird flu has been reported.The simple technique of isolation,disinfection will curb the spread.

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.

UNCONVENTIONAL ROUTES OF INFECTION WITH BIRD FLU VIRUS.

UNCONVENTIONAL ROUTES OF INFECTION WITH THE AVIAN INFLUENZA VIRUS. The H5N1 strain of the bird flu virus has been identified as the highly pathogenic strain that also affects man and if not properly managed can result in death. There are many routes of possible infection with the bird flu virus but some subtle unconventional routes are also a major cause of concern, these include the following; 1) Visitors on farm premises. 2) Exchange of farm tools and implements with neighborhood farmers. 3) Absence of foot dips, hand dips and washing points in farms, feed mills and drug stores. 4) Absence of proper litter management. 5) Contaminated feed stuff. 6) Water pollution. 7) Lack of proper waste disposal/manure. Non restriction of visitors to farm site is a major source of spread of diseases not only avian influenza but also other diseases. Visitors moving in and out of farm site act as fomites bringing in loads of pathogenic organisms setting up a foci of infection in the farm site. 

Most visitors come through other farms thus bringing in pathogenic organism from one point to another. Visitors must be barred from farm sites to forestall introduction of pathogens.

 2) Exchange of farm tools and implements with neighborhood farms, may appear inconsequential but it’s a grave risk as pathogens are exchanged freely between farms. A simple gesture of exchange of tools is a breech on bio security protocol that must be prevented. 

 3) Absence foot dips, tyre dips and hand dips, this is a major route of infection. Many farms don’t have tyre dips, neither do they spray tyres with disinfectants, before allowing such vehicles on farm premises. The hand dips are very important, a worker that has handled contaminated matter but have refused to wash and dip hands in disinfectant solution is a ready source for spread of infection. Farmers that have dips , don’t use proven disinfectants of high potency to prevent infection. The dips with disinfectants are not replenished at regular intervals, thus making a mockery of the whole process. 

 4) litter management is very important in poultry as a lot of pathogens arise from poor litter management. Farmers don’t usually take care of their litter especially in case of wetness. 

The most important aspect of litter management is litter treatment. The litter can be treated using potent disinfectant, this can be used in the powdery forms and sprayed on litter. When turned, this will kill any incubating pathogen without any detrimental effect on birds. 

 Waste disposal/manure; waste disposal management on the farm is another point of concern, as many farmers don’t dispose their waste properly, leaving them open on farm without any form of treatment on the farm, thus allowing flies and other pathogenic organisms breed in that area causing a nucleus of infection right on the farm. Some farmers bag their waste, but still don’t treat the areas where the bags are kept which is still a point of infection. 

The farmers that bag and prepare to sell make the mistake of allowing merchants to come in to the farm with their sacks to procure manure. This is also another route of infection, as the sacks brought in may harbor pathogens. Water pollution. 

 The water source is also another point of infection, and a major route of infection. If water source or point is not well covered, allowing birds to defecate in it thus contaminating the water source. The water source must also be disinfected to ensure safety , and prevent pathogenic organisms from infecting birds and contaminating floors and drinkers.

CLASSICAL SIGNS OF BIRD FLU.

BIRD FLU # WAY FORWARD.

The avian influenza virus still affecting poultry and causing severe economic losses,thus a seminar was organized for farmers to highlight ways to stop the virus,,and what to do in case of an outbreak. The seminar centered on bio security, steps and chemical agents of choice.The core of what i discussed can be read here; http://veterinarymedicineechbeebolanle-ojuri.blogspot.com/2015/07/bio-security-on-farms.html. The importance of foot dip,tyre dips and hand washing was emphasized while the sharing of tools,implements was discouraged as this is a possible infection route. The importance of early reporting was also emphasized as this is the key factor to compensation.

STEPS TO STOP THE BIRD FLU VIRUS.

AVIAN INFLUENZA AND FOOD SAFETY.

SIGNS OF BIRD FLU.

AVIAN INFLUENZA.

BIRD FLU # AVIAN INFLUENZA.

The virus is still very much around ravaging farms and causing huge economic losses.A strict bio security protocol will keep the virus at bay. A simple technique of isolation,disinfection / decontamination and disposal is an effective way to keep birds safe.The bird flu has affected so many countries and all hands are on deck to stop the virus.

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.

BLEACH AS A BIO SECURITY AGENT

BIO-SECURITY,is basically keeping germs out of your production site.There are so many agents that are used but i want to talk about the use of bleach in the poultry and generally on the farm. The bleach -water mix can be made in full strength and used in the foot dip.The bleach-water combo will need to be replenished in the foot dip every 4 hrs. The bleach-water combo in medium strength can be used to wash drains,and work areas in the farm.Cars entering the poultry can have the tyres sprayed with full strength of bleach-water combo.Clothes,overalls ,boots and tools should be cleaned with bleach-water combo. Proper disposal of waste,dead animals and contaminated feed is very important.The bleach- water combo can be sprayed in the trash area to prevent swarming of flies and also kill pathogenic bacteria. ITS in your hands now:use it and stay safe. CLEAN IT# BLEACH IT# STAY SAFE.

USES OF VIRKON® S

Bio security is keeping pathogenic organisms away from production site, ensuring you shut the door on diseases.There are various bio security measures to reduce food safety risks; these risk include; influx of live chicken,mass movement of people into farm,transportation of dead birds,proper disposal of dead birds and high concentration of poultry farms in an area, wild birds in/ around poultry houses,rodent infestation,and mixed breeds/species of birds on a farm. The recent outbreak of avian influenza in some countries has stirred the need for better bio security measures with strict compliance,surveillance ,education of populace about HPAI and ban on import of poultry from affected countries. Bio security on the farm encompasses all levels of production, daily operations( standard operative procedure), the farm fittings,structure,tools and vehicular movement. A powerful broad spectrum disinfectant/ cleaner that is very potent against most pathogens especially AVIAN INFLUENZA is recommended for use this is VIRKON® S.It has virucidal properties. VIRKON® S has been used in many countries not only as a bio security chemical, but used widely in cases of outbreaks of avian influenza. VIRKON® S has found so many uses in the farm; 1) used for foot dip. 2)used to clean surfaces,floors and disinfect walls. 3)used to purify water in tanks on farms, which is a potential foci of bacteria proliferation. 4)it can be misted and sprayed in cages with the birds. 5)decontamination of markets,cages,equipment and tools. VIRKON® S is your biosecurity answer in a pack.BE PROACTIVE GET VIRKON® S TODAY. STAY SAFE USE VIRKON® S; STOP THE AVIAN INFLUENZA VIRUS.

Health management and bio security on farms.

The spread of avian influenza can be curbed using strict bio security measures,these will include cleaning,washing and regular disinfection of farm site.

 There are various chemicals that have virucidal potency that can be used to disinfect and decontaminate farm premises. One of such is virkon s,proven to be very effective against bird flu,along side other pathogens.

 The use of virkon S can not be overemphasized because of the tremendous success it has achieved in farms,hospitals food industry etc. There are various applications for the virkon s in various sectors,but we will focus on its uses in the farm.

INVESTIGATING BIRD FLU.

 Look out for these signs:

Sudden onset of high mortality.

Bluish-purplish comb and wattle

Purplish shanks,

Swollen and shut eyelids.

 In case of outbreak;

Do not treat.

Do not vaccinate.

Cordon off your farm.

 Call your vet.

BIRD FLU.

Avian influenza is a deadly viral infection that have been ravaging poultry farms around the world.The rate of spread of the virus is very alarming, and although wild birds have been implicated in the spread of the virus,contamination and contact are routes for persistence of the virus in and around farms. The role of bio security in the prevention and curbing of spread of infection on farms cannot be over emphasized,the bio security protocol must be simple,easily adaptable and measurable.The simplicity of the protocol will ensure strict compliance, the bio security measures include the following; 1) Do not allow visitors to your farm. 2) vehicles coming into the farm area must pass through a vat filled with disinfectants or the vehicle is hosed down with disinfectants . 3) The farm area must be cordoned off and must have foot dips at entrance. 4)The farm hands must enter the farm site from an entrance then go to cloak room to change into clean disinfected farm wear. 5)The tools and personal wear must be washed daily and disinfected. 6) The drinkers must be cleaned and disinfected. 7) floors drains and working surfaces are to be cleaned and disinfected. 8)isolate new birds to farms ,in a separate section of farm. 9) The birds can also be sprayed in the cages using disinfectants. 10)The water source must be clean and cool, ensure the purity of water source by treating with chemicals. 11)Litter management is very important,scrap and pack litter and dispose properly. 12) Proper disposal of dead birds, and other waste matter from the farm. 13) The farm environs must be clean and devoid of grasses,or stagnant pools. 14)The disinfectants used in foot dips must be changed at regular intervals. Bird flu is indeed deadly and zoonotic depending on the strain of virus involved.The first major sign is high mortality of sudden onset,then bluish-purplish combs,shanks and crop region,swollen lids and diarrhea. When you observe any of such signs,do not start treating or vaccinating; just restrict access to your farm and notify your vet.

AGRIBUSINESS: HOW TO MAKE JUTE RICE FOR YOUR DOG.

Jute rice!!! what is this ??? well its a highly nutritious delicacy that your dogs will love.
Jute rice is a recipe made from jute leaves and rice.

Jute leaves also called "EWEDU", is a highly nutritious vegetable packed with vitamin A,C,E; this makes them very valuable in preventing free radicals from damaging body cells. The vitamin A,also has added value in improving vision,vitamin C also helpful in stimulating appetite.
   
Jute leaves has a low caloric value,so you can incorporate it in diet without excessive weight gain, these leaves can also be used to control diarrhea.
   
The benefits of jute leaves are enormous and these can be prepared and served with other feed stuff to provide a balanced meal for your dog.
                       JUTE RICE; INGREDIENTS;jute leaves. fish/meat/chicken. rice.
   
                                          PREPARATION.
  1) pick the jute leaves,rinse and set aside.
 
  2) Get a pot,pour some water in it,add stock/fish broth.

   3)Add a pinch of potash.

   4) Add the jute leaves and allow to boil.

    5) After 5 minutes, use the kitchen broom to cut the jute leaves,continue beating with the broom until all are cut to small bits and with a drawy texture.

  6)Put the jute leaves aside. next prepare the already washed and cooked meat or fish; these can be cut to bits, or cubes or shredded,and set aside.

A SIMPLE DOG FOOD RECIPE.

Home cooking for dogs is now the in-4thing because of the rise in rate of pet food recalls.However some dog lovers have been cooking for along time to ensure food safety and growth of their pets. Home cooking has numerous advantages such as availability,freshness, safe,cheap and no chemical additives.The home cooking has an added advantage if you have a dog with special needs such as liver disease,kidney disease,obesity and cancer,the knowledge of nutritional impact on these conditions are vital. Home cooking can be fun if well planned; here is a fast recipe for your dog. Noodles and eggs. INGREDIENTS; 1)NOODLES. 2)EGGS. 3)OIL METHOD. BOIL NOODLES AND SET ASIDE. PREPARE THE EGGS, COULD BE BOILED OR FRIED. THEN MIX THE EGG WITH NOODLES AND SERVE OR CUT THE BOILED EGGS UP IN CUBES AND MIX WITH NOODLES.