How to Protect Your Broilers from Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

Avian Influenza, commonly known as Bird Flu, is one of the most serious viral infections that affects poultry, including broilers. It spreads rapidly and can cause massive losses for poultry farmers, especially in regions like Pakistan, where broiler farming is a crucial part of the agricultural sector. In this article, we will discuss how Pakistani broiler farmers can protect their chickens from Avian Influenza and keep their flocks healthy.

What is Avian Influenza?

Avian Influenza (AI) is a contagious viral disease that affects birds, particularly chickens, ducks, and other domestic fowl. The virus can be of two types:

• Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza (LPAI): This type usually causes mild symptoms and lower mortality.
• Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI): This is the dangerous form of the virus that can cause rapid death in birds and spread quickly across farms.

The most well-known strain is H5N1, which can cause severe illness and death in poultry, and even has the potential to infect humans in rare cases. Therefore, controlling and preventing this disease is essential.

How Does Avian Influenza Spread?

Avian Influenza spreads through:

• Contact with Infected Birds: The virus spreads quickly when healthy birds come into contact with infected birds or their secretions (like saliva, nasal discharge, or droppings).
• Wild Birds: Migratory birds can carry the virus and pass it on to domestic poultry.
• Contaminated Equipment and Feed: Using equipment that has been in contact with infected birds can also spread the virus. Contaminated feed and water sources are other ways for the virus to enter your farm.

Symptoms of Avian Influenza in Broilers

It is important to identify Avian Influenza symptoms early to prevent further spread. Look for the following signs in your broilers:

• Sudden death without any visible cause
• Decreased appetite
• Lethargy and reduced activity
• Swollen head, comb, or wattles
• Purple discoloration of the comb and legs
• Respiratory distress, coughing, sneezing
• Decreased egg production (for layers)
• Diarrhea

How to Prevent Avian Influenza in Your Broilers

1. Biosecurity Measures The most important step in preventing Avian Influenza is strengthening biosecurity on your farm. This means keeping strict controls on who or what enters your farm:

• Limit Access: Only allow essential workers to enter the farm. Make sure that workers wear disinfected clothing and boots.
• Disinfection: Regularly clean and disinfect farm equipment, coops, and water supplies. Ensure that all vehicles, machinery, and people entering the farm go through a disinfection process.
• Separate Sick Birds: If you notice any birds showing symptoms of illness, immediately separate them from the healthy flock to prevent further spread.
• Control Wild Birds: Set up nets or other deterrents to keep wild birds away from your farm. Wild birds are known carriers of the virus, so make sure your poultry houses are secure.

2. Vaccination In some regions, vaccines are available for certain strains of Avian Influenza. Speak with your local veterinarian to find out if vaccination is appropriate for your farm and what vaccines are available in Pakistan.

3. Control Feed and Water Sources Make sure that feed and water are kept in clean containers that cannot be contaminated by wild birds or rodents. Use clean, fresh water for your broilers and avoid any areas where water may have been exposed to wild birds.

4. Monitor and Report Keep a close watch on your flock for any unusual symptoms. Early detection is key in controlling the spread of Avian Influenza. If you notice symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately. Additionally, report any suspected cases to local authorities so they can take appropriate measures.

How to Treat Avian Influenza in Broilers

Unfortunately, there is no direct cure for Avian Influenza, but supportive treatments can help to improve the health of your birds and control the virus. Here are some ways to manage the disease if it is detected on your farm:

1. Isolate Infected Birds The first and most important step is to isolate any infected birds. This will reduce the chances of the virus spreading to the rest of your flock.

2. Provide Supportive Care You can help support your broilers’ immune system with vitamins and supplements to give them a better chance to fight off the virus.

3. Use Suitable Medications While there is no specific antiviral drug for treating Avian Influenza in poultry, some supportive medications can help reduce the impact of secondary infections (such as bacterial or respiratory infections) and support the health of the birds during illness.

Medicine Recommendation from Arafal Enterprises:

• Oxyjin: This product can help relieve respiratory symptoms in broilers affected by respiratory infections, which often accompany viral diseases like Avian Influenza. It contains Bromhexine and Aminophylline, which can help in reducing congestion in the lungs and improve breathing. Ingredients like Guaiphenesin and N-Acetylcysteine help loosen mucus, making it easier for broilers to breathe.
• ADECK LM: Avian Influenza can cause stress in broilers, which weakens their immune system. ADECK LM contains essential vitamins like Vitamin A, Vitamin D3, and Vitamin C that boost immunity. It also contains Lysine and DL-Methionine, which are vital amino acids for recovery and overall health.

Using these products can help manage the symptoms and boost the immune system of your broilers, but they are not a cure for Avian Influenza itself. Always consult your vet before administering any medications.

Disposal of Infected Birds

If your birds die from Avian Influenza, it is important to dispose of them properly to avoid spreading the virus to other farms. Burn or bury the carcasses in a place that is away from your farm and water sources, and make sure to follow local guidelines for safe disposal.

Conclusion

Avian Influenza is a serious threat to poultry farmers in Pakistan, but with the right biosecurity measures and farm management, you can protect your broilers from this disease. Focus on prevention, such as limiting farm access, using vaccines where available, and maintaining clean feed and water sources.

If the disease does infect your flock, using supportive products like Oxyjin for respiratory relief and ADECK LM for boosting immunity can help manage symptoms and improve your flock’s health.

Note: Please do not use any medicine without consulting a qualified veterinary doctor. Always follow professional advice to ensure the safety and health of your poultry.