How is the disease diagnosed?

Avian influenza (AI) may be suspected on the basis of clinical signs and events leading to the disease. Laboratory tests are required to confirm the diagnosis. (Prescribed and Alternative Diagnostic Tests for OIE Listed Diseases, Appendix 3.1.1, Terrestrial Animal Health Code, 2006; Avian Influenza, Chapter 2.1.14, Manual of Diagnostic Tests & Vaccines for Terrestrial Animals)

What is being done to prevent or control this disease?

Prevention and control measures.

It is extremely important to have early detection and warning systems and prevention measures in place as part of an effective strategy for AI. This needs to be coupled with similar efforts placed on preparing for a potential outbreak. Around the world, surveillance measures have been put in place to detect the presence of infection in poultry according to OIE Guidelines for the Surveillance of Avian Influenza (Appendix 3.8.9, Terrestrial Animal Health Code, 2006). Additionally, surveillance programmes monitor the occurrence, prevalence and characterisation of AI viruses found in wild birds. Wild bird surveillance considers different migratory flyways and particularly at mingling points for migrating birds from different continents. It is essential for poultry producers to maintain biosecurity practices to prevent introduction of the virus in their flock.

Measures that are recommended at the farm level include:

• keep poultry away from areas frequented by wild fowl;
• keep control over access to poultry houses by people and equipment;
• do not provide elements on property that may attract wild birds;
• maintain sanitation of property, poultry houses and equipment;
• avoid the introduction of birds of unknown disease status into flock;
• report illness and death of birds
• appropriate disposal of manure and dead poultry.

If the disease is detected, generally a “stamping out” (culling) policy is used in the efforts to eradicate the disease. Elements included in a response effort include:

• humane destruction of all infected and exposed animals (see Guidelines for the killing of animals for disease control purposes, Appendix 3.7.6, Terrestrial Animal Health Code, 2006);
• appropriate disposal of carcasses and all animal products (Guidelines for the disposal of dead animals, Appendix 3.6.6, Terrestrial Animal Health Code, 2006);
• surveillance and tracing of potentially infected or exposed poultry;
• strict quarantine and controls on movement of poultry and any at-risk vehicles;
• thorough decontamination of infected premises ;
• a period at least 21 days before restocking.

Culling may be complemented by a vaccination policy for poultry in a high-risk area. Vaccination aims to protect the susceptible population of birds from potential infection thereby reducing the incidence or the severity of disease. Vaccination strategies can effectively be used as an emergency effort in the face of an outbreak or as a routine measure in an endemic area. Careful consideration must be given prior to implementing a vaccination policy and requires that the recommendations from the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) on vaccination and vaccines are closely followed (www.oie.int\downld\AVIAN INFLUENZA\Guidelines on AI vaccination.pdf). Any decision to use vaccination must include an exit strategy. OIE guidelines emphasize that prevention and control measures such as surveillance and reporting of findings of NAI in wild birds and vaccination of domestic poultry should not result in unjustified trade restrictions (Terrestrial Animal Health Code, 2006; Chapter 2.7.12).

source: http://www.oie.int/eng/en_index.htm