Avian Influenza
Poultry People
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been confirmed in numerous U.S. States within the last few months. HPAI is a deadly disease of poultry. It is not ‘just’ this deadly poultry disease – the specific subtype H5N1 has been detected, which can also affect people. What is HPAI? Avian Influenza is a respiratory disease of birds caused by Influenza viruses. Most of these viruses cause few or no signs of infection. Some subtypes, however, can cause severe illness and death in poultry. H5N1 is one of these deadly types. Transmission: HPAI spreads quickly via direct bird-to-bird contact. It can also be transmitted via contaminated surfaces – clothing, shoes, vehicles, etc. Wild birds can also spread the virus to new areas via feces. Symptoms: Sudden death, decreased food and water consumption, lethargy, respiratory distress, nasal discharge, purple discoloration or swelling around the legs and head, decreased egg production and diarrhea. There is no cure for HPAI. The best and only thing we can do is practice good biosecurity.
