12 WAYS TO IDENTIFY BIRD FLU SYMPTOMS IN CHICKENS
Avian flu can spread quickly and negatively affect the health of chickens within hours. In severe cases, chickens can die within a day.
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Common bird flu symptoms in chickens include:
- Edema in the comb and wattles
- Purple discoloration / cyanosis of the wattles, combs, and legs
- Diarrhea
- Nasal discharge
- Soft-shelled or misshapen eggs
- Decreased egg production
- Coughing and sneezing
- Lack of coordination
- Swelling of the head, eyelids, wattles, hocks, and comb
- Lack of energy and appetite
- Pinpoint hemorrhages on feet and shanks
- Ruffled feathers
Any one of these symptoms can indicate the presence of avian flu in your flock, in addition to sudden death that comes without warning signs.
Recognizing Bird Flu Symptoms in Humans
Although it’s rare for humans to contract avian flu, it can happen. Symptoms such as fever, coughing, sore throat, muscle aches, and conjunctivitis may result from infection. In more serious cases pneumonia and acute respiratory distress can occur.
Learn MoreAdditional symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Neurologic changes
Dealing with Recent Outbreaks
Due to the recent outbreaks in Mississippi, Tennessee, and Minnesota, farmers and poultry producers should be on high-alert and take extra precautions to avoid flock infection. There are two main ways avian flu is spread:
Through migratory birds
By human interaction
Wild migratory flocks, such as geese and ducks, can become infected with avian influenza and quickly spread it to poultry flocks across the nation.
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Taking preventative measures:
Have flocks tested
Thoroughly clean all equipment and transportation vehicles used to move poultry and clean habitats
Closely monitor flock behavior, appearance, and appetite
Limit access to flocks to only the necessary personnel
Cutoff flock access to outside contact with wild birds
Isolate flocks that show signs of infection for at least 30 days
Do not borrow or use equipment from other poultry farms
Report bird flu symptoms in poultry to the USDA immediately
This latest outbreak of avian influenza comes in two different strains that are both different from the strains which wreaked havoc in 2015. The outbreak in Wisconsin is a low pathogenic H5N2 avian flu strain that has affected a flock of 84,000 turkeys. The Tennessee avian flu is a highly pathogenic H7 strain.
Animal feed manufacturers that can master the art of differentiation with high-quality feed additives will be well on their way to establishing themselves as the go-to supplier of animal feed.
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