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NVAP Reference Guide: Avian

Influenza

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NVAP Reference Guide: Table of Contents

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Preface

Introduction

Control and Eradication

Brucellosis

Johne’s Disease

Pseudorabies (PRV)

Tuberculosis

Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies

Scrapie

Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE)

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)

Poultry
National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP)

Avian Influenza (AI)

Exotic Newcastle disease (END)

Equine Disease

Aquatic Animal

Aquatic Animal National Health Plan

Aquatic Animal Health Activities

Animal Health Emergency Management

Animal Health Emergency Management

Emergency Response Structure

National Response Framework (NRF)

National Incident Management System (NIMS)

National Animal Health Emergency Management System (NAHEMS)

Foreign Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Plan (FAD PReP)

FAD Recognition and Initial Response

National Animal Health Emergency Response Corps (NAHERC)

Notifiable Diseases and Conditions

WOAH and International Standards

Cleaning and Disinfection

Importance of Cleaning & Disinfection

Cleaning

Disinfection

Regulation of Disinfectants

Safety

Disease Surveillance

Laboratory Submissions

Animal Movement

Interstate Regulations

Interstate Movement of Cattle, Horses, Swine, Sheep and Goats

Issuing Interstate Animal Movement Documents

International Animal Movement

Issuing International Health Certificates (IHCs) for Live Animal Movement

Common Problems Observed on Certificates for Live Animal Movement
Animal Identification 

Animal Identification

Cattle Identification

Swine Identification

Equine Identification

Sheep and Goat Identification

Fowl Identification

Compliance and Regulations

Appendix

A: 9 CFR PARTS 160, 161, and 162

B: APHIS VS District Offices

C: State Animal Health Officials

D: Forms

E: Other Organizational Information with Contact Points

F: Web Sites

G: Equine Teeth and Aging

Avian influenza (AI) viruses are classified by a combination of two groups of proteins:

the hemagglutinin or H proteins, of which there are 16 (H1-H16), and neuraminidase

or N proteins, of which there are 9 (N1-N9). Many strains of avian influenza (AI) virus

exist worldwide. These viruses affect chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, ducks,

geese, and guinea fowl as well as a wide variety of free-flying species. Migratory

waterfowl have been shown to be a natural reservoir for AI. AI strains also are

divided into two groups based upon the ability of the virus to produce disease. 

Low Pathogenicity or "low path" Avian Influenza

(LPAI)

LPAI occurs naturally in wild birds and can spread to domestic birds. In most cases it

causes no signs of infection or only minor symptoms in birds. These strains of the

disease pose little significant threat to human health. These strains are common in

the U.S. and around the world.
High Pathogenicity or "high path" Avian Influenza

(HPAI) 

HPAI is often fatal in chickens and turkeys. HPAI spreads rapidly and has a high

death rate in birds than LPAI. HPAI has been detected and eradicated three times in

U.S. domestic poultry. HPAI H5N1 is the subtype rapidly spreading in some parts of

the world. Most of the highly pathogenic AI viruses fall under types H5 or H7;

however, most AI infections, including those typed as H5 or H7, are clinically of low

pathogenicity. These typically produce few or no clinical signs in affected birds.

Sometimes the only evidence of this virus is a minor increase in bird mortality. Aside

from the possible mutation of low-pathogenicity strains under field conditions into

high-pathogenicity strains, the presence of low-pathogenicity virus can also result in

restrictions on exports and serious repercussions on the production economy. Avian

Influenza of H5 and H7 subtypes are known as  Notifiable Avian Influenza (NAI).

APHIS works to keep NAI from becoming established in U.S. poultry populations.  

Identifying Infected Birds

Birds infected with the HPAI virus may show one or more of the following signs:

Sudden death without clinical signs;

Lack of energy and appetite;

Decreased egg production or soft-shelled or misshapen eggs;

Swelling of head, comb, eyelid, wattles, and hocks;

Purple discoloration of wattles, comb, and legs;

Nasal discharge, coughing, and sneezing;

Incoordination; or

Diarrhea. 

Epidemiology

HPAI can strike poultry quickly and spread rapidly from premises to premises.

Migratory waterfowl can introduce the disease to U.S. poultry. International visitors

or smuggled  birds are also risk factors. Once introduced, the disease spreads from

bird to bird by direct contact or through contact with contaminated manure,
equipment, vehicles, crates, and the clothing or shoes of individuals who have come

in contact with the virus. The virus remains viable in the environment for long

periods, particularly at lower temperatures, and it can survive indefinitely in frozen

material. 

Biosecurity Measures on the Farm

Veterinarians should work with poultry producers to strengthen biosecurity

practices. Established and enforced biosecurity protocols will help prevent

introduction of HPAI and other infectious agents. Recommended biosecurity

measures include

Establishing an “all-in, all-out” flock-management policy;

Protecting against exposure to wild birds or water or ground contaminated by

wild birds;

Closing bird areas to nonessential personnel or vehicles;

Providing employees with clean clothing and disinfection facilities and

directions for their use;

Thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting equipment and vehicles (including tires

and undercarriage) when entering or leaving the farm;

Banning the borrowing or lending of equipment or vehicles;

Banning visits to other poultry farms, exhibitions, fairs, and sales or swap

meets (if visits must occur, direct workers to change footwear and clothing on

their return); and

Banning bringing birds in slaughter channels back to the farm. 

Reporting Suspicious Diseases

Practitioners are encouraged to educate their poultry clientele and pet bird owners

to report all signs of disease. If signs of disease resemble AI or cannot be diagnosed,

they should immediately be reported to both the Assistant District Director and the

State Animal Health Official.