Bird flu strikes a veterinarian in cat shelter in New York.

A vet at a New York City animal shelter where cats were infected with a strain of bird flu has also been infected. Although the vet only had mild illness from the virus which was short lived and has resolved completely. The bird flu strain affecting cats in the New York shelter was reported earlier here and the twist to the story is that bird flu rarely infects cats but this strain defiled that and the same strain also infected the veterinarian who had been testing the sick cats, giving him prolonged contact with them. People can and do catch flu from animals — and vice-versa. Pigs commonly both catch flu from people and transmit it. The ongoing occasional human cases of H5N1 bird flu and H7N2 bird flu are traced to poultry markets. The influenza virus is of public health concern because of the ability to mutate and possibility of re-assortment between animal flu and human flu producing a new strain that can be extremely dangerous,although this H7N2 has not recombined . Vets, doctors and other scientists keep an eye on bird flu because it can and does spread to people and has the potential to cause epidemics. So far, H7N2 hasn't. It has only ever infected a few people. . more

Avian Influenza watch.

The bird flu virus continues to cause havoc in poultry around the world and in certain cases death in humans have been recorded.The bird flu virus strains detected in poultry around the world varies across board,new strains have been detected that are of varying pathogenicity. The H5N1 infection in Egypt has been on the increase,but there has not been any significant genetic mutation in the flu strain to explain rise in human infection. Its known that the bird flu virus can mutate easily,cross species and result in a very pathogenic strain that can cause death in man and other species. The fight to stop bird flu virus is on going ,and all measures are geared towards enhanced bio security. The prevention / control of bird flu is done broadly on 2 level; hygiene and isolation. The bird flu virus is real, prevent it. The effort to stop the virus is communal; everybody must be involved, be alert. Notify vet authorities if you notice high mortality in poultry farm or live bird markets, raise an alarm if you notice people processing dead birds, or transporting dead birds, or dumping dead birds on street corners. The law enforcement agents should be on the look-out for individuals who are in possession of dead birds,such cases demand instant notification. The virus can be stopped in its track with these measures, but if we turn away /turn the other eye then we are courting trouble. Be proactive! stop bird flu virus!

BIRD FLU # THE WAY FORWARD.

The bird flu virus has affected more birds and man in certain countries, and all around the world hands are on deck to stop the virus. The basic concept is to educate the populace about the virus,the signs/symptoms,the bio security protocol that must be put in place to stop the virus and also what to do in cases of outbreak in poultry or infection in man. The approach is hygiene and isolation; ensuring that the proper agents are used correctly in bio security protocol. There are numerous agents used on farms,hospitals e.t.c to disinfect them,but the agent that readily comes to mind at this time of bird flu outbreak is VIRKON® S,as it has been proven to kill the bird flu virus among over pathogens. The issue of bio security is on going,more and more approaches to secure our farms have been birthed to help the farmers,in line with this i had a talk with some poultry farmers to educate them and give practical tips on how to handle the bird flu virus. When there is an outbreak, all the birds in the poultry / aviary/zoo will be culled and the place decontaminated and quarantined to prevent spread of the virus.In the wake of the bird flu virus saga,some birds in a zoo were infected,so all other birds in the facility had to be culled. We can stop the bird flu virus! start now!

Rabbits, skunks can pass bird-flu virus to ducks..

A government wildlife researcher has found that rabbits and skunks can become infected with the bird flu virus and shed it enough to infect ducks — offering scientists one more clue about how bird flu may move in the environment and spread between farms, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said. Experiments done last year demonstrated that striped skunks and cottontail rabbits in a laboratory transmitted a strain of bird flu to mallard ducks after they shared food and water sources, National Wildlife Research Center biologist Jeff Root said in a statement. "When wildlife and poultry interact and both can carry and spread a potentially damaging agricultural pathogen, it’s cause for concern,” he said. Last year bird flu resulted in the death of 48 million birds in 15 states, sending egg prices soaring to record highs, increasing turkey meat prices and hurting exports of poultry products. Scientists hope to find how the virus gets from wild birds to farms and spreads, and Root said it’s now important to figure out how likely it is that such transmission across species happens in the wild. The study results offer the first significant confirmation that mammals can transmit the virus to birds. Skunks and rabbits are common visitors to farms across the country. They also are frequently found at the riverbanks and wetlands where waterfowl gather. Scientists studying bird flu who weren’t involved in the research said it’s a noteworthy finding, but more study is needed about how transmission is occurring. “These viruses, we’ve always known that they get very eagerly into turkeys. Turkeys and ducks exchange viruses but skunks and rabbits? Who knew? So this is really exciting that way,” said Carol Cardona, an avian health professor at the University of Minnesota who studies domestic poultry viral disease. “It tells us little bit more about an ecosystem we weren’t fully understanding.” Iowa State University veterinary microbiology professor James A. Roth said it’s an unexpected development, but it’s not clear whether these animals can spread bird flu virus into commercial turkey and chicken barns. culled from Columbus Dispatch.

FOOD SAFETY AND BIRD FLU VIRUS.

The bird flu virus is inactivated by heat,hence cooking at high temperature of 70°c will destroy the virus.This fact is of importance when handling and cooking poultry. Several cases of H5N1 in humans have occurred from consumption of improperly cooked or raw poultry products. Freezing,blast-freezing and refrigeration of poultry products does not deactivate the bird flu virus,so ensure that you cook thawed poultry properly at high temperature and make sure the fluid from the poultry does not mix with foods that will be consumed raw. 

 Chicken should be cooked thoroughly with no pink parts, eggs should also be properly cooked. All poultry and poultry products should be thoroughly cooked. Hands should be washed immediately after you handle poultry and poultry products,the bird flu virus can be inactivated in acidic pH ,thus washing with soap is very effective to curb the spread of the virus. Water can be disinfected to ensure its safety,the addition of chlorine to water at normal purification levels >3 is effective to kill the bird flu virus.People in areas where the bird flu virus has been identified should ensure thorough cooking of such products and prevent cross contamination with other foods,utensil and cooking agents should be washed with soap and hot water. 

 The bird flu virus can survive at low temperatures for at least a month,hence common food preservation such as freezing,refrigerating cant inactivate the virus, hence cook poultry properly. In 2007 ;German officials found the H5N1 virus in frozen duck sample at a poultry slaughter house,which confirms that freezing cant inactivate the virus. Eggs may contain the virus on the shell and within the eggs,eggs should not be consumed raw,or partially cooked,no runny yolks either.

Cooking at high temperature for long periods is a sure way to ensure food safety. In man infection with the H5N1 virus has been linked to home slaughter of poultry,handling and cooking of diseased poultry,hence proper hygiene is essential. The key is thorough washing of hands,cooking utensils and cleaning and disinfecting cooking surfaces.Cross contamination should be prevented by cooking poultry separately. Wash,clean and disinfect.

BIRD FLU VIRUS ,FOOD HANDLING AND FOOD SAFETY.

The bird flu virus is inactivated by heat,hence cooking at high temperature of 70°c will destroy the virus.This fact is of importance when handling and cooking poultry. Several cases of H5N1 in humans have occurred from consumption of improperly cooked or raw poultry products. 

 Freezing,blast-freezing and refrigeration of poultry products does not deactivate the bird flu virus,so ensure that you cook thawed poultry properly at high temperature and make sure the fluid from the poultry does not mix with foods that will be consumed raw. 

 Chicken should be cooked thoroughly with no pink parts, eggs should also be properly cooked. All poultry and poultry products should be thoroughly cooked. Hands should be washed immediately after you handle poultry and poultry products,the bird flu virus can be inactivated in acidic pH ,thus washing with soap is very effective to curb the spread of the virus. 

 Water can be disinfected to ensure its safety,the addition of chlorine to water at normal purification levels >3 is effective to kill the bird flu virus.People in areas where the bird flu virus has been identified should ensure thorough cooking of such products and prevent cross contamination with other foods,utensil and cooking agents should be washed with soap and hot water. 

 The bird flu virus can survive at low temperatures for at least a month,hence common food preservation such as freezing,refrigerating cant inactivate the virus, hence cook poultry properly. In 2007 ;German officials found the H5N1 virus in frozen duck sample at a poultry slaughter house,which confirms that freezing cant inactivate the virus.

 Eggs may contain the virus on the shell and within the eggs,eggs should not be consumed raw,or partially cooked,no runny yolks either.Cooking at high temperature for long periods is a sure way to ensure food safety. In man infection with the H5N1 virus has been linked to home slaughter of poultry,handling and cooking of diseased poultry,hence proper hygiene is essential. 

 The key is thorough washing of hands,cooking utensils and cleaning and disinfecting cooking surfaces.Cross contamination should be prevented by cooking poultry separately. Wash,clean and disinfect.

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.

Avian influenza ;Tracking.

The Rivers state government of Nigeria has confirmed the bird flu virus in a poultry farm in the state.The birds have been culled,farm decontaminated and quarantined.The farms in the vicinity of the affected farm have been advised to enhance bio-security protocol. Avian influenza virus has been detected in a back yard poultry in Idaho state in the U.S..The surveillance conducted revealed several cases of H5N8 in wild ducks,H5N2 also confirmed in 3 falcons from a private,non commercial flock in Canyon county,this has been linked to contact with wild waterfowl and a small backyard poultry in the area has also tested for H5N2. A new outbreak of avian influenza has been detected in Washington state,all poultry owners have been advised to prevent contact of their birds with migratory birds.The bird flu virus found in chickens,geese,ducks was confirmed to be H5N2, hence bio-security has been enhanced in that area. Egypt has reported 20 new H5N1 cases in 2015 and 5 deaths.The avian influenza situation in the country has led to thee constitution of a high-level supreme national committee on bird flu. The health ministry of Egypt has supplied 250,000 Tamiflu bottles to hospitals and health care units to treat patients who have contacted the H5N1. The ministry also provided masks for control of flu.The deaths recorded are in people who had close contact with poultry such as; those living in the poultry area, those processing and those in live bird markets. It is very important to practice good hygiene of hand washing with soap/ sanitize hands when you handle poultry/poultry products. The power to stop bird flu is in your hands. STOP THE BIRD FLU VIRUS! BE PROACTIVE!

BIRD FLU IN THE NEWS.

The highly pathogenic avian influenza virus is currently affecting poultry in some countries and causing death in some others. The bird flu virus H7N9 has killed 2 people in China,Egypt has recorded the 3rd death in 2015. Libya has also recorded 4 human cases resulting in death, 3 of the victims died in Tripoli while the 4th person died in Tobruk ,across border to Egypt. Taiwan battles the worst H5N2 infection, H5N3 and H5N8,this has led to culling of over 112,375 ducks,geese and chicken. The flu virus has also caused mortality in poultry in Kano,Lagos and also a zoo in V.G.C, the birds have been culled and farm decontaminated and quarantined. The bird flu virus has been detected on 2 farms in Belize,Spain due to active surveillance. The birds on the affected farms showed mild clinical signs of avian influenza virus, but on analyzing the samples, the bird flu virus was confirmed. The agricultural and health services department have encouraged commercial and backyard farmers to step up their bio-security protocol, and notify the authorities of any unusual signs in poultry. BE PROACTIVE! BE ALERT! STOP BIRD FLU VIRUS! USE VIRKON® S,IN BIO-SECURITY PROTOCOL.

AVIAN INFLUENZA UPDATE.

The highly pathogenic avian influenza virus has made its entrance into Nigeria,making its first appearance in Kano. The bird flu virus has been linked to cases of high mortality in poultry birds in 4 local government involving 10 farms. The affected farms have been quarantined, the birds destroyed and surveillance of farms and live bird market in the area is on-going, also an alert has been sent to other states in a bid to curb spread of virus. The bird flu virus crossed states to make a second appearance in Lagos state, the virus is believed to have made its way during the yuletide season when birds came into the state from the north. The resurgence of bird flu in Lagos occurred on a poultry farm in Badore area ,in Ajah. The virus killed most of the flock, the others have been destroyed and farm quarantined. There has also been high mortality in ducks, emu, geese in a zoological garden in V.G.C.,the garden is under surveillance as samples have been sent for confirmation. The resurgence of the bird flu in the country has been tackled with the following measures; 1) enhanced bio- security protocol on farms,live bird market, and poultry houses. 2) Active search surveillance. 3) Education of farmers and workers in poultry farms. 4) Disinfection/decontamination of farms and market. The bird flu virus occurred in Kano in 2006,2007,2008 and now 2015.The route of infection and perpetuation of the virus has been linked to migratory birds en-route that region,having access to water in farms,feed and contamination of bedding, as the virus shed in dropping of migratory bird is a contamination foci for domestic birds . The sanitary status on farms is also a factor in the spread. The feces of birds in contaminated farms should be disposed off and not as compost for fertilizer. The key to stopping the virus is high sanitary hygiene on farms, sheltering poultry to keep them away from wild birds, covering reservoir tanks of water to prevent contamination,also it will be necessary to give treated water on farms.This is another reason to incorporate VIRKON® S, in your bio-security protocol, to treat water on farm,to disinfect the farm equipment and use in foot dip. BE PROACTIVE! STEP UP BIO-SECURITY PROTOCOL! USE VIRKON® S.

Proliferation of bird flu outbreaks raises risk of human pandemic.

The global spread of bird flu and the number of viral strains currently circulating and causing infections have reached unprecedented levels, raising the risk of a potential human outbreak, according to disease experts. Multiple outbreaks have been reported in poultry farms and wild flocks across Europe, Africa and Asia in the past three months. While most involve strains that are currently low risk for human health, the sheer number of different types, and their presence in so many parts of the world at the same time, increases the risk of viruses mixing and mutating - and possibly jumping to people. "This is a fundamental change in the natural history of influenza viruses," Michael Osterholm, an infectious disease specialist at University of Minnesota, said of the proliferation of bird flu in terms of geography and strains - a situation he described as "unprecedented". Global health officials are worried another strain could make a jump into humans, like H5N1 did in the late 1990s. It has since caused hundreds of human infections and deaths, but has not acquired the ability to transmit easily from person to person. The greatest fear is that a deadly strain of avian flu could then mutate into a pandemic form that can be passed easily between people - something that has not yet been seen. While avian flu has been a prominent public health issue since the 1990s, ongoing outbreaks have never been so widely spread around the world - something infectious disease experts put down to greater resilience of strains currently circulating, rather than improved detection or reporting. While there would normally be around two or three bird flu strains recorded in birds at any one time, now there are at least half a dozen, including H5N1, H5N2, H5N8 and H7N8. The Organization for Animal Health (OIE) says the concurrent outbreaks in birds in recent months are "a global public health concern", and the World Health Organization's director-general warned this week the world "cannot afford to miss the early signals" of a possible human flu pandemic. continue

BIRD FLU WATCH.

H7N9 kills 2 people in China,Taiwan battles worst H5N2 outbreak and Egypt report 3rd bird flu death in 2015. The ever changing bird flu virus makes it a potential global threat in terms of economic loss and also death of man. The capacity of the virus to mutate enables it to cross species and cause fulminating infection in these species, this is the reason why it poses a pandemic threat. The bird flu virus infection has been linked to wild birds/waterbirds and migratory birds which act as reservoir .The key prevention will be to keep wild birds away from poultry.These can be achieved as by the following measures ; do not handle birds of unknown origin, dont touch dead birds, wash hands immediately after handling poultry, do not buy processed birds from unknown origin, if you observe high mortality in poultry in your area notify vet authorities in your area. The surveillance of live bird markets, farms and control/border points are paramount in the preventive measure. BE ALERT! BE PROACTIVE ! STOP BIRD FLU VIRUS!.

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 affecting half of China: ‘controllable’ but may spread.

Bird flu affecting half of China: ‘controllable’ but may spread further.National health commission puts provincial authorities on alert as the country grapples with its worst outbreak of the deadly bird flu strain. Chinese health authorities have issued stern warnings over the H7N9 bird flu outbreak in the last two days, admitting the situation had already affected half of the country and could lead to even more fatalities. Since January, human deaths and infections from H7N9 have been reported in 16 provinces and municipalities, according to the National Health and Family Planning Commission.While the situation was still “preventable and controllable”, the COMMISSION WARNED in a statement on Tuesday that if the situation was not tightly controlled the virus could spread further. The virus had killed at least 87 people by February 12, including 79 in January. It is the highest death toll since the first known human infection in 2013, and most of the cases have been in the Pearl and Yangtze River delta areas. In the previous three years, January’s death toll had ranged between 20 and 31. The commission’s statement came one day after it warned provincial health authorities across the country, including Xinjiang and Tibet, of the risks of the latest H7N9 outbreak. Local authorities were ordered to make “utmost effort” to contain the disease and minimise deaths. The World Health Organisation said there were no signs of sustained human-to-human transmission in bird flu cases this year, but it would remain “vigilant” over the puzzling outbreak in which affected poultry did not show any symptoms more

BIRD FLU AND COMPENSATION.

The bird flu virus has left a devastating trail in many countries,with resultant huge economic losses and scarcity of poultry products especially eggs. The virus has put so many producers out of business and many more on the brink of financial collapse,the poultry farmers that are worst hit are those without insurance or any type of risk management plan and those that dont qualify for compensation. The risk management tool /insurance is a personal issue on the path of the farmers,many dont take out polices on their investment basically because they lack wisdom,and understanding on the issue.Any farmer that is insured has so many benefits,and links/opportunities to grow bigger. In cases of disease outbreaks, not only do they get pay-outs; they have opportunities to start over without any delay.Many insurance companies have products that cover farmers,their equipment and operation. Be a wise farmer, insure your farm. Compensation in cases of bird flu is a global concern,with more and more countries bring out guidelines on methods of collection and also many countries have made the compensation plan public to encourage farmers to disclose the status of their farms. In Nigeria,there is a compensation plan and guidelines to benefit from the scheme. A farmer that has an incidence on the farm and does not report cant lay claim to any payment. A farmer that has a case of high mortality ,with obvious signs of the bird flu virus and decides to procure a solution without reporting will forfeit any claim to any compensation on birds before the case became a public knowledge. When there is a case of bird flu on your farm, you report to a state veterinary officer,who will report to the state AVIAN INFLUENZA DESK OFFICER,and the farm is visited immediately,samples taken from farm and sent to the NVRI in Jos where a virus is confirmed. The population on the farm as at time of visit is recorded and sent along with sample,this is recorded in the compensation scheme form and its on this data that the payment is made. Early reporting is key to procure meaningful compensation. When the virus is confirmed,the farm is depopulated and disinfected.The process of disinfection is continuous,starting at every week,then followed by every month and the farm facility is not used for 6 months. A quarantine sign is put up on the farm to ensure there are no movement within 3km radius of the farm. Many potent disinfectants are available for this purpose,use proven disinfectants and wear protective clothing.

BIRD FLU TRIGGERS THE DESTRUCTION OF DUCK EGGS.

Sa Kaeo: Authorities have destroyed 500 duck eggs seized from two passenger vans at Rong Kluea border market, heading into Thailand, following reports of an outbreak of bird flu in Cambodia. At least 5 people have contracted the virus.. It was reported that Cambodian public health officials were alerted to the bird flu outbreak after five villagers in Battambang contracted the disease. According to authorities, the eggs were being smuggled into the country to be sold to migrant workers in eastern provinces. The spread of the bird flu virus must be curbed and as such purchase of poultry products from unknown sources should be prevented,and strict bio security compliance must be enforced on farms. read more here;http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/general/781049/bird-flu-flap-triggers-duck-egg-destruction.

Germany culls 77,000 poultry as bird flu found on farms.

Germany culling some 77,000 poultry as bird flu found on farms The culling of about 77,000 turkeys, chickens and ducks is underway after bird flu of the highly contagious H5N8 strain was found on farms in a major poultry production region in the north German state of Lower Saxony. On three farms where H5N8 was found and three others which had contact with them the culling of 55,000 birds was started over the Christmas weekend and should be completed on Tuesday, the Lower Saxony agriculture ministry said in a statement. The contagious H5N8 strain has been found in more than 500 wild birds in Germany in recent weeks. Outbreaks on farms have been rare after the government introduced tough sanitary rules to prevent infection by wild birds, including orders to keep poultry indoors in high-risk regions. Several European countries and Israel have found cases of H5N8 bird flu in the past few weeks and some ordered poultry flocks be kept indoors to prevent the disease spreading. France has widened high-risk restrictions to the entire country after the detection of several cases of the H5N8 strain. South Korea has mobilized its armed forces to help in its biggest-ever poultry cull as the spread of a highly contagious strain bird flu continued, with another 1.6 million birds ordered to be destroyed in affected areas. more

China steps up human H7N9 avian flu prevention.

A number of provinces in China have stepped up efforts to prevent H7N9 avian flu following reports of scattered human cases of the virus. Authorities closed 280 live poultry trading and slaughtering venues in Suining city, southwest China's Sichuan Province, after four human H7N9 cases were reported in the city this year, according to the provincial health authorities. Commerce officials in Suining have enhanced inspections to crack down on unlicensed poultry businesses. The central province of Hubei has set up headquarters for the prevention and control of human H7N9 outbreak, according to the provincial Health and Family Planning Commission. Hubei confirmed 19 human H7N9 cases from Jan.1 to Feb. 9, scattered across several cities. Two patients have been discharged from hospital after recovering. The province has dispatched 16 inspection teams to check on prevention efforts. In Changsha, capital of central China's Hunan Province, all live poultry markets have been suspended. The province has reported 24 H7N9 cases, including five fatalities, this year. Eastern China's Zhejiang Province ordered all markets across the province to halt live poultry trading by 6 p.m. Saturday, over bird flu concerns. Staff with the Zhejiang Center for Disease Control and Prevention said that the province had entered a high season of bird flu outbreak. In January alone, Zhejiang reported 35 infections of the H7N9 strain of bird flu. Contact with live poultry is the major source of infection, particularly in rural areas. H7N9 is a bird flu strain first reported to have infected humans in China in March 2013. It is most likely to strike in winter and spring. Beijing on Saturday reported a human H7N9 case. The patient is a 68-year-old man from Langfang city in neighboring Hebei Province. Liaoning, Jiangsu, Shandong, Henan, Guangdong and Guizhou provinces have all reported human H7N9 cases this year.source

BIRD FLU.

The bird flu saga continues, as the virus has been identified in birds in backyard poultry in Washington state and Oregon. The highly pathogenic strain has been identified in broiler chicken and turkeys in BC,Canada.The viral infection has led to culling of 42000 birds in Japan as @ 30/12/14, leading to banning of poultry products and birds originating from japan. The banning of poultry products has also extended to the U.S.A as some countries have opted out of importing from them. A second wave of infection has been reported in Washington state, in a farm near the foci infection, and this has been traced to some ducks moved from the foci of infection to this new farm.The 2 farmers are friends so they exchange birds,without knowledge that the ducks had the virus,leading to sudden deaths of birds in this new farm. This has prompted the UTAH,U.S. agric and wildlife authorities to issue a bird flu alert to back yard poultry farmers in the state; advising them to increase their bio security measures.The Utah state is on course of a migratory bird route,thus they enjoined farmers to keep wild birds away from poultry. BIRD FLU UPDATE; based on the flu infection in some parts of the world, the most logical thing will be to be pro active and step up bio security in our farms. BIO SECURITY; the following actions are advised. 1) Restrict movement to your farms. 2)Make a full strength of bleach- water solution and use as foot dips, tyre wash, use in drains ,also use to clean surfaces in the farm. 3)Dont bring in birds from unknown sources, and dont transfer birds between farms. 4) keep poultry away from wild birds and water fowl. 5) Report any case of sudden high motalities in your birds. Be alert and sensitive; step up bio security. Thanks to the poultrysite.com.

AVIAN INFLUENZA IN HUMANS.

The bird flu in humans normally starts with cold,nasal secretions that could easily be overlooked as common flu,especially in this harmattan period.The flu signs continues with rapid increase in body temperature, severe headaches coupled with muscle pain. This progresses to gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting,diarrhoea and stomach cramps. The patient will also have a tightening of the chest muscle resulting in chest pain, then there will be bleeding in nose and gums. The signs do vary per individuals, but if you have flu symptoms that does not abate even with medication after 3 days, and you have been in contact lately with game birds, or poultry, or you have handled dead birds,or processed poultry birds,or consumed chicken ,or you just returned from a country battling the bird flu, please visit the hospital. The way to nib the virus is early diagnosis: so is it cold?,periodic flu attack? or bird flu? check it out.BE PROACTIVE.KEEP CLEANING WITH DISINFECTANTS,WASH HANDS AND COOK POULTRY PRODUCTS PROPERLY BEFORE CONSUMPTION. DO NOT TOUCH DEAD BIRDS. WHEN YOU TOUCH OR HANDLE BIRDS,WASH HANDS IMMEDIATELY. IF YOU HAVE INCREASED CASES OF MORTALITY ON THE FARM; CALL YOUR VET. DONT BUY PROCESSED POULTRY PRODUCTS OF UNKNOWN SOURCE. IF YOU OBSERVE INCREASED MORTALITY OF BIRDS IN POULTRY FARM AROUND YOU, REPORT TO THE VET AUTHORITY IN YOUR AREA. DISPOSE DEAD BIRDS PROPERLY.