Bird flue

• Also known as Avian influenza or fowl plague
• Viral respiratory disease of poultry caused by type A strains of the influenza virus

a) Etiology:

• H5N1 virus

b) Symptoms:

• Sudden death
• Lack of appetite
• Swelling of head, eye lids, combs, wattles and legs
• Purple discoloration of wattles and comb
• Nasal discharge
• Diarrhea
• Incubation period is 3-5 days
• Lymphopenia

c) Transmission:

• Direct contact
• Faeces, Saliva, Fomites, dirt
• Respiratory droplets

d) Prevention and treatment:

• Vaccination
• Rapid diagnosis
• Infection control
• Disinfection