Avian influenza is a contagious viral disease that affects many bird species, including domestic poultry and wild birds.
“During the migration of wild water birds, the risks for small-flock poultry increases because there’s a greater chance the flock could come into contact with wild birds,” says Dr. Colleen Christianson, veterinary pathologist, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry (AF), Airdrie.
She says that small flock producers can take steps to mitigate any potential outbreaks.
“The first thing is to try and prevent their flock from coming in direct contact with wild birds, in particular with ducks and geese. To help with this, producers should have a wire on top of their pens to prevent unwanted birds from contacting the flock. If the flock has access to dugouts, the water contained within them should be treated before being given to their birds.”
There are symptoms that producers should watch for to assess flock health.
“Things you want to look for are changes in egg production, increased flock mortality rates, swelling around the head and neck, respiratory changes, trembling, if the bird is unable to walk properly or hold its head in the proper position,” says Christianson. “These are just some of the examples.”
Source : Agriculture and Forestry