Question

What should a farmer do if he suspects bird flu virus infection in his poultry farm

Answer 1

If you keep poultry or other captive birds, you must take action to reduce the risk of disease in your flock by following government advice on biosecurity.

 

Good biosecurity improves the overall health and productivity of your flock by helping keep out poultry diseases such as avian influenza and limiting the spread of disease in an outbreak.

 

This applies just as much if you only have a few birds as pets, or if you have a large commercial flock.

 

An outbreak of bird flu in back garden chickens results in the same restrictions on movement of birds.

 

It has the same impact on farmers and trade in poultry as an outbreak on a commercial farm.

 

To ensure good biosecurity, all poultry keepers should:

 

minimise movement in and out of bird enclosures

clean footwear before and after visiting birds, using a Defra approved disinfectant at entrances and exits

clean and disinfect vehicles and equipment that have come into contact with poultry

keep areas where birds live clean and tidy, and regularly disinfect hard surfaces such as paths and walkways

humanely control rats and mice

place birds’ food and water in fully enclosed areas protected from wild birds, and remove any spilled feed regularly

keep birds separate from wildlife and wild waterfowl by putting suitable fencing around outdoor areas they access

keep a close watch on birds for any signs of disease and report any very sick birds or unexplained deaths to your vet

Answer 2

If a farmer suspects avian flu infection in his poultry farm, these are measures should be taken stop the spread of the disease:

- Remove the suspected and the diseases animals before it spreads all around and infect every animal.

- Vaccinate all the animals to avoid further spread.

- Make sure the dead animals are disposed off completely. Make sure they do not come in contact with the living  

- Take other preventive measures such as keep clean water and the area clean.