Avian Influenza Prevention in Gamebird and Ratite Facilities
By R. Scott Beyer, Extension Specialist, Kansas State University - Avian influenza is a potentially deadly disease that has often plagued the United States poultry industry. This disease can cause decreased production or result in high mortality.
1 April 2005
6 minute read
In 1983-84, influenza resulted in the depopulation of 17 million birds at a cost of $65 million. Egg producers and poultry growers can reduce the spread of avian influenza by using strict confinement procedures. However, certain management practices necessary for gamebird and ratite production (ostriches, emus, etc.) may render these facilities more vulnerable to infection.
Background
Avian influenza poses no
threat to human health, but it
may be deadly to many avian
species. Mild forms of the
virus can persist and spread
without much notice until it
mutates into a more virulent
form, causing death.
Several poultry farms in
Mexico have become infected
with the virus. Because the
virus can be easily transferred
by birds, migratory water fowl
are expected to carry the virus
to the United States during
seasonal migrations.
Thus,
gamebird flight pens and ratite
ranges are open to exposure
to the virus since it is more
difficult to prevent bird to bird
contacts in these open facilities.
Symptoms of avian influenza
infection can include
reduced egg production,
reduced feed and water
consumption and diarrhea.
Respiratory distress may be
the most common indication
of infection. The mild form
may result in low mortality,
while acute infections may
lead to near 100 percent loss
of the birds. Eggs that have
lost some degree of normal
pigmentation also may indicate
the presence of the disease.
No specific medications are
available for avian influenza.
Many strains of avian influenza
exist, making vaccination plans difficult to implement
in the poultry industry.
Furthermore, most vaccines
have not proven to be effective
for gamebird and ratite
growers.
Practice Biosecurity to Prevent Disease
Biosecurity refers to all the practices necessary to prevent the spread of disease to your farm. Adhering to a strict biosecurity program will ensure that your farm has done the best it can to prevent diseases from spreading to your flock. Basically, you must isolate your stock as much as possible from potential carriers of the virus; reduce visitations as much as possible; and clean and disinfect your facilities often.
Gamebird and Ratite Producers are Uniquely Exposed to Potential Carriers of Avian Influenza
Many gamebird producers
condition their birds for
release by placing them in
flight pens. Although the
flight pens are usually
enclosed by screening, small
birds and rodents can sometimes
easily move through the
screen and come into contact
with the stock.
Ratite producers also are
exposed to potential influenza
carriers. Most ratites are
allowed access to open range.
In this type of operation it
would be almost impossible
to totally isolate stock from
other avian species.
Avian influenza has already
infected some gamebirds and
ratites. Although it may be
impractical to strictly confine
all stock, there are some steps
that can be followed to
prevent or reduce the spread
of this deadly virus.
Move or locate new facilities away from ponds and waterways used by migratory fowl, such as ducks and geese. Do not allow these fowl to feed in or near your facilities.
Reduce the number of visitors to your farm as much as possible. If tours are necessary, consider allowing access to only a few of your stock and keep these birds isolated from the remainder of the farm. Also, provide a separate visitor’s parking area that is isolated from the remainder of the farm.
Repair holes or tears in flight pen screening to prevent birds, such as sparrows and starlings, from entering.
Gamebird farms that sell hatching eggs or one-dayold chicks should maintain all breeders in confinement rather than allowing access to an outside range.
Food provided to ratites in open pens is very attractive to birds. Feed spillage should be reduced as much as possible. Dispose of old feed properly so that other birds are not drawn to your facility.
Open ”birdhouses“ used by ratite producers are a popular nesting place for small birds, such as sparrows and starlings. Never allow these birds to establish nesting areas in the huts or around nearby farm buildings.
Separate birds by ages if possible. Breeding stock should be separated from offspring. On a daily basis, farm workers should visit the most valuable birds first, then move to the less valuable ones. Never reverse the process during the day unless you bathe and change to clean clothing.
Be a good neighbor. Stay away from other poultry, gamebird and ratite farms.
Post warning signs at all entrances to the farm property that indicates your concern of diseases. Keep all facilities locked when possible.
Know the source of any new stock that you introduce to the farm. Quarantine new stock for at least four weeks. Do not accept birds from farms known to be infected by avian influenza. At this time, it would be unwise to accept gamebirds or ratites that you suspect have been through Mexico.
Any equipment leaving the farm should be cleaned and disinfected prior to returning to the farm.
Practice good waste management. Avian influenza is spread through the feces of infected birds so manure must be stored where people or vehicles do not come in contact with it. Carcasses should be disposed of properly by burial or incineration.
Place foot baths containing disinfectant at the entrance to all rooms or pens.
Discourage rodents and other animals from entering the premises by keeping debris away and maintaining baited poison stations.
Gamebird producers should never release infected stock for hunting preserves. Diseases could be transferred to local wildlife and reduce their populations.
Isolate sick birds from the remainder of the stock.
Maintain records of all transactions for tracking purposes in case of disease outbreaks.
Sick or dying birds should be submitted to a laboratory for diagnosis. Contact the Diagnostic Laboratory at the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine—913-532-5650.
