Avian Influenza Prevention

May, 2010 Vol. 1 Issue 1

What Small Flock Owners

Should Know About
Bird Flu and Avian Influenza

Q: What is the different between “Bird Flu” and

Avian Influenza (AI)?

A: Avian Influenza (AI) is an infectious disease of birds

caused by type A influenza viruses. Wild migratory
waterfowl, like ducks and geese, carry the virus without
showing clinical signs. More susceptible domestic
poultry, including chickens and turkeys, contract the
disease from contaminated water sources, feces, or
mingling with infected waterfowl. Outbreaks of the virus
occur within the domestic flocks. Clinical signs in birds Q: How does the highly pathogenic Avian Influenza
range from mild illness to epidemics of highly virus H5N1, or bird flu, affect humans?
contagious, rapidly fatal disease. Live bird markets are
also believed to play a role in AI outbreaks in A: Avian influenza viruses normally infect birds and
commercial poultry flocks. pigs. The first documented cases of human infection
occurred in Hong Kong in 1997, when the H5N1 strain
Although many people use the terms Bird Flu and caused severe respiratory disease in 18 humans (6 died).
Avian Influenza synonymously, Bird Flu actually refers Extensive investigation of that outbreak found that close
to the highly pathogenic strain of Avian Influenza H5N1. contact with live, infected poultry was the source of
In 1997 the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) human infection. Genetic studies determined that the
H5N1, or bird flu, was discovered in humans in Hong virus had jumped directly from birds to humans. The
Kong. Since then the virus has received unprecedented spread of infection in birds increases the possibility for
publicity. The bird flu outbreak has since spread to 14 infection of humans. There is concern that as more
countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, and, as of humans become infected, the risk increases that persons
September 24, 2009, infected 442 people. Two hundred infected with both avian and human influenza stains
sixty-two of those infected people died. could become “mixing vessels” for the viruses, resulting
in a new, dangerous strain of influenza virus that could
Millions of birds have also died or been culled to spread easily from person to person.
prevent further spread of the virus. Although the number
of people infected with avian influenza is relatively few
compared to seasonal human flu, the percentage of
people who die from HPAI H5N1 is very high
(approximately 60%). health officials are concerned that
HPAI H5N1 could mu
 Avian Influenza Prevention
May, 2010 Vol. 1 Issue 1

Q: Why should I be concerned about AI?

A: An outbreak of H7 strain could seriously affect the

health of your flock and could result in its destruction. It
will affect markets and the sale of poultry at all levels. The
entire poultry industry will be affected and serious
economic loss may occur for growers and our entire state.

Q: What should I do?

A: Practice good biosecurity and take precautions to

protect your flock and others:

 Keep poultry in pens, houses or cages. Separate

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Uncontained poultry increases the risk of flock
contamination and outbreak
different types and ages of birds.
 Keep wild, free-flying birds, including waterfowl
and seabirds, away from your flock.
 Clean and disinfect housing and equipment
regularly. Clean and disinfect any equipment,
including clothing, that comes on or goes off your
farm. Pay special attention to vehicles.
 Promptly bury or burn dead poultry. Report
excessive illness to the Maryland Department of
Agriculture or your County Extension Agent.
 Control pests, such as rodents and flies. Do not
allow stray animals on your property.
 Restrict and control visitors to your farm. Keep
them out of poultry areas.
 Avoid visiting other farms with poultry and live
bird markets. Avoid traveling to areas where AI
has been found. If you do visit another farm, clean
and disinfect clothing and shoes and shower,
before and after your trip.
 Purchase poultry only from reputable dealers.
Know and keep records of their source.

Prepared by: Dr. Nathaniel Tablante, Extension

Specialist, Poultry Health
Reviewed by: Pamela B. King, Extension Agent

Maryland Cooperative Extension

1-800-342-2507

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