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Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is a serious zoonotic viral disease that affects the respiratory system of birds and causes high mortality rates. All bird species are susceptible, including chickens*, turkeys*, ducks*, and wild birds*.
Symptoms:
Difficulty in movement and breathing
Mucous nasal discharge
Decreased egg production, with soft or missing eggshells
Swollen head and bluish discoloration of the head and comb
Prevention Measures:
Safe disposal of dead birds.
Disinfection of barns, all tools, and contaminated materials.
Modes of Transmission:
Contaminated droplets or secretions.
Feed contaminated with the virus.
Contaminated tools.
Insects and rodents.
To prevent Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, the following actions should be taken:
Prevent wild birds from entering poultry barns, as they are a major factor in the transmission and spread of infection.
Maintain overall farm hygiene and dispose of poultry litter in accordance with biosecurity procedures.
Monitor ventilation, temperature, and humidity levels in all poultry housing areas.
Regular disinfection, sanitation, and fumigation of barns, and elimination of disease vectors such as insects and flies.
Safe disposal of waste and residues by placing them in designated bags, then incinerating or burying them.
Ensure farm workers follow personal protective measures, including wearing protective clothing, masks, and gloves inside poultry barns.
Rapid diagnosis of suspected cases and immediate laboratory testing, and promptly reporting to Weqaa via the unified number.
Key Biosecurity Measures for Poultry:
Ensure adequate ventilation and maintain appropriate temperature and humidity levels in barns.
Install fencing to prevent the entry of stray animals.
Control parasites and eliminate insects and rodents.
Isolate birds immediately if any disease symptoms are observed.
Provide workers with personal protective equipment such as gloves, protective head covers, and rubber boots.
Protecting Poultry from HPAI Helps to:
Reduce mortality rates.
Improve production performance.
Contribute to food security.
Minimize economic losses.
Safeguard public health.