AVIAN INFLUENZA: Zoonosis Vicente C. Manalo, Jr., DVM Maria Fidelis Manalo, MD, MSc Epidemiology

Avian Influenza A Viral disease of Domestic and Wild Birds characterized by the full range of responses from almost no signs of the disease to very high mortality. The incubation period is also highly variable, and ranges from a few days to a week (3 to 7 days).

Aetiology of Avian Influenza Influenzavirus A genus of the Orthomyxoviridae family. They are enveloped, negative stranded RNA viruses. Influenza A viruses can be divided into 15 Haemagglutinin (H) antigens. 9 Neuraminidase (N) antigens. Extreme antigenic variability brought about by genetic reassortment in host cells.

Influenza Viruses 2 Pathotypes:  HPAI  LPAI

Ecology of Avian Influenza Viruses The greatest variety of Avian Influenza viruses has been isolated from wild birds, particularly from waterfowls. Serve as reservoirs and gene pools These birds perpetuate only viruses of low pathogenecity Natural host of AI viruses to which the viruses are well adapted. Waterfowls are resistant to the disease induced by HPAI viruses.

Ecology of Avian Influenza Viruses Domestic Poultry does not appear to be the natural host of these viruses, therefore the degree of adaptation to the host is low and this could possibly explain why documented virus mutation has virtually always occurred in domestic poultry

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Worldwide Occurrences

Recent News Indonesia: Poultry Disease Outbreak Devastating Regional Sector. An article in the Jakarta Post on Dec. 18: Many poultry farmers forced out of business in the face of the current outbreak of ND. A spokesperson for 1 of the Sleman and Kulonprogo Regency district sector said: Out of 25 members of the neighborhood unit, only 3 still have chickens. The others’ birds are all dead. He added that only 25 % of farmers in his area are still operating. The virus had also spread to other areas of the regency. Some estimates suggest that a number of district have lost up to 80 % of their poultry

South Korea – Latest Developments The Government is doing its best to support the industry but public are not buying poultry or eggs despite assurances that this form of AI does not pose a health hazard. First confirmed case of bird flu – Dec. 15, 2003: 49 suspected farms 14 cases confirmed positive for AI 7 cases are from ducks 1 from broiler breeder 2 from broilers 4 from layers 17 cases were negative The other 18 farms are being tested

Taiwan – Latest Developments Taipei (Reuters, Jan 5,2004) Taiwan reported its first case of a highly contagious bird flu Wednesday (Dec. 31,2003), but said six ducks smuggled from mainland China that had tested positive (H5N1) had been destroyed.

Avian Influenza Differential Diagnosis Infectious Bronchitis TRT/APV Newcastle Disease Respiratory viruses – Mixed infections

Avian Influenza Diagnosis 1.Clinical Signs 2.Virus Isolation and Characterisation 3.Serology 4.PCR 5.Histopathology and Immunochemistry

3 Categories of Transmission Intercontinental Transport of live poultry, frozen poultry meat and untreated hatching eggs over long distances. Trade of poultry by-products unheated and egg products and possibly frozen poultry semen. Least importance are free living migrating birds International Trade of commercial poultry including live birds, vehicles, crates, containers. Also, international exhibitions, shows, bird markets and similar events. Least important are birds which displays seasonal migration pattern. Local Farm personnel, technical crew (debeaker, vaccinators, catchers, etc.). Also, contaminated poultry manure and waste stuff as well as airborne particle and dust. Significant are live birds in close vicinity to poultry houses

BIOSECURITY DEFINITION : all procedures used to prevent the introduction of disease OBJECTIVES : - prevent the entry of disease - control the spread of disease BIOSECURITY IS EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY!

BENEFITS OF BIOSECURITY HELPS KEEP OUT diseases REDUCES THE RISK of zoonotic diseases LIMITS THE SPREAD of diseases HELPS PROTECT the public health IMPROVES the overall flock health CUTS COSTS of disease treatment REDUCES LOSSES and improves profitability BETTER BIOSECURITY PROVIDES : Peace of mind, a healthier flock and a more viable business!

HOW DISEASES SPREAD MOVEMENT of people, animals, equipment, vehicles CONTACT with neighboring flock CONTACT with insects, rodents, stray animals and pets CONTAMINATED water & feeds INADEQUATE cleaning and disinfection

BIOSECURITY INFORMATION STRICTLY limit and control access to the farm – fencing w/ a controlled entry point KEEP an all-in, all-out flock management PROVIDE a security or decontamination area REQUIRE all persons entering the farm to sign a visitor’s logbook; vehicle plate numbers must also be recorded

BIOSECURITY INFORMATION CLEAN & DIRTY areas should be well-defined THOROUGHLY clean and disinfect all equipment & vehicles entering AND leaving the farm BETTER NOT to borrow equipment or vehicles from other farms DON’T USE same vehicles for transporting birds, feeds, equipment or waste products

BIOSECURITY INFORMATION CLEAN, PROTECTIVE clothing and footwear must be worn in the farm HAVE a designated cleaning & disinfecting area WHEN DISINFECTING, remove all dirt & solid matter first – Dirt & manure cannot be disinfected! KEEP the farm surroundings clean & tidy FOOTBATH must be provided in every poultry house; footbath should be kept clean

BIOSECURITY INFORMATION KEEP WILD BIRDS off the poultry houses – bird-proofing KEEP other animals, pets or other livestock out of the farm PEST & RODENT control program PROPER DISPOSAL of damaged eggs, dead birds, litter or manure REGULARLY clean & disinfect all equipment & vehicles before and after use

BIOSECURITY INFORMATION AFTER EVERY CYCLE, thoroughly clean & disinfect all houses & equipment ONCE CLEANED, a farm should be closed & left idle; the longer the down time, the better the results. IMPLEMENTING A STABLE BIOSECURITY PROGRAM IS INDEED AN EFFORT WORTH MAKING!

MINIMUM BIOSECURITY STANDARDS No Visitors A sign-in log Clean clothing and sanitized footwear Properly maintained foot pans with disinfectant solution Rodent and insect control No other animals, esp. wild birds Vaccination All in, all out Sanitize hands

IMPORTANT REMINDERS MAKE a flock health plan that includes basic biosecurity measures ENSURE that all records are accurate & up-to-date ALL poultry personnel should be trained LOOK OUT for signs of disease – early detection is key! REPORT immediately if disease is suspected BE VIGILANT!

Reminders Effective Bird Proofing Working Pest Control Program For Rodents and Fly No other animals especially waterfowl Sign – in Log Book Power Sprayer at the farm gate Separate foot wear/Foot Dip Sanitation/disinfection

Prevention Surveillance / Monitoring Vaccination Biosecurity

Control Biosecurity Quarantine Intensify disinfecting measures Monitoring/Surveillance Stamping Out / Depopulation DIVA Vaccination - only for LPAI and not for HPAI because it might prolong the shedding of the virus Proper Disposal

Avian Influenza Pictures and Video Clips were taken from A Color Atlas and Text on Avian Influenza and CD ROM Avian Influenza Ilaria Capua and Franco Mutinelli Published by Papi Editore