Identifying and Reporting Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in Domestic and Captive Fowl

Identifying and Reporting Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in Domestic and Captive Fowl

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza (LPAI) are viruses that can affect bird populations, with HPAI being the more severe strain. Here's what to look out for in affected birds and what actions to take if bird flu is suspected.

**Clinical Signs of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Birds**

HPAI is characterized by severe clinical signs that often lead to high mortality rates in bird populations. Key clinical signs include:

- **Sudden Death**: Birds may die quickly without showing any previous symptoms. - **Lethargy and Anorexia**: Affected birds become lethargic and show a decreased appetite. - **Respiratory Distress**: Signs such as panting, nasal discharge, and sneezing are common. - **Nervous System Involvement**: Birds may exhibit unusual head or neck posture, incoordination, or an inability to walk or stand. - **Gastrointestinal Symptoms**: Diarrhea is observed in some cases. - **External Swelling and Discoloration**: Swelling and bruising may appear on the head, comb, wattle, or legs.

**Clinical Signs of Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza (LPAI) in Birds**

LPAI typically causes mild symptoms or no noticeable disease in birds. However, some possible signs include:

- **Mild Respiratory Symptoms**: Birds may show mild respiratory signs such as coughing or sneezing. - **Reduced Egg Production**: There might be a slight decrease in egg production, but this is not always noticeable. - **General Lethargy**: Birds may appear slightly lethargic, but this is generally not as severe as in HPAI cases.

LPAI strains usually do not cause significant disease or mortality in wild birds and poultry, unlike HPAI strains.

**Identifying and Reporting Bird Flu**

HPAI can cause discoloured or loose watery droppings and a stop or significant drop in egg production. If bird flu is suspected, immediate reporting to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is required, even if signs are mild.

In Scotland, report bird flu to your local Field Services Office. Reporting bird flu in poultry or captive birds is mandatory in England, Wales, and Scotland. Information about the process of reporting bird flu is available. Reporting dead wild birds is also necessary, with instructions provided on how and when to do so.

The contact numbers for reporting bird flu in England and Wales are 03000 200 301 and 03003 038 268, respectively.

**Prevention and Control Measures**

Knowledge on how to prevent bird flu and stop its spread is available. It is important to maintain good biosecurity practices, such as isolating birds from wild birds, keeping birds indoors, and ensuring that feed and water are not contaminated.

If concerned about the health of birds, speak to a private vet. Photos of clinical signs of bird flu are available on Flickr for reference. Failing to report bird flu is considered a legal offense.

Laboratory tests are necessary to confirm the presence of the avian influenza virus. Birds infected with low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) may not show clear signs of infection, but they may have mild breathing problems. These signs can indicate bird flu, but the avian influenza virus can only be confirmed through laboratory tests.

1. Science has shed light on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza (LPAI), two viruses affecting bird populations, with HPAI being more severe.
2. HPAI presents severe clinical signs leading to high death rates in bird populations.
3. Key clinical signs of HPAI include sudden death, lethargy, anorexia, respiratory distress, nervous system involvement, gastrointestinal symptoms, and external swelling or discoloration.
4. In contrast, LPAI causes mild symptoms or no noticeable disease in birds, although possible signs include mild respiratory symptoms, reduced egg production, and general lethargy.
5. HPAI strains are more deadly to bird populations than LPAI strains.
6. HPAI can cause discolored or loose watery droppings and a significant drop or stop in egg production.
7. If bird flu is suspected, immediate reporting to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is required, even if signs are mild.
8. In Scotland, bird flu should be reported to the local Field Services Office.
9. Reporting bird flu in poultry or captive birds is mandatory in England, Wales, and Scotland.
10. Information about reporting bird flu is available online.
11. Reporting dead wild birds is also necessary, with instructions provided on how and when to do so.
12. The contact numbers for reporting bird flu in England and Wales are 03000 200 301 and 03003 038 268, respectively.
13. It is essential to maintain good biosecurity practices, like isolating birds from wild birds, keeping birds indoors, and ensuring that feed and water are not contaminated.
14. If concerned about the health of birds, consult a private vet.
15. Photos of clinical signs of bird flu are available on Flickr for reference.
16. Failing to report bird flu is considered a legal offense.
17. Laboratory tests are necessary to confirm the presence of the avian influenza virus.
18. Birds infected with LPAI may not show clear signs of infection, but they may have mild breathing problems.
19. These signs can indicate bird flu, but the avian influenza virus can only be confirmed through laboratory tests.
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