What is the new chicken disease?

The new chicken disease of significant concern, particularly in recent outbreaks, is Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).

Understanding Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is a severe and highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects domestic poultry, including chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese, as well as many species of wild birds. While various strains of avian influenza exist, HPAI strains, such as certain H5 and H7 subtypes (e.g., H5N1, H5N8), are particularly virulent and can cause widespread mortality in affected flocks.

In the United States, recent confirmations of HPAI have been made by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) following thorough investigations by state agencies like the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and rapid disease detection efforts by systems such as the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System (CAHFS). These confirmations underscore the ongoing vigilance required to manage this disease.

Impact on Poultry

HPAI can devastate poultry farms due to its rapid spread and high mortality rates. Its impacts include:

• High Mortality: Often causes sudden, severe illness and death in a large percentage of affected birds.
• Production Losses: Significant drops in egg production or growth rates in surviving birds.
• Economic Devastation: Leads to extensive culling of infected and exposed flocks, trade restrictions, and substantial financial losses for the poultry industry.

Common Symptoms in Chickens

Recognizing the signs of HPAI is crucial for early detection and control. Symptoms can vary but often include:

• Sudden death without prior signs of illness.
• Lack of energy and appetite, decreased feed and water consumption.
• Respiratory signs such as coughing, sneezing, gurgling, and nasal discharge.
• Swelling of the head, eyelids, comb, and wattles.
• Purple discoloration of the wattles, combs, and legs.
• Reduced egg production or soft-shelled/misshapen eggs.
• Neurological signs like tremors, twisted necks, or paralysis.
• Diarrhea.

Transmission and Spread

HPAI viruses can spread quickly among birds through:

• Direct contact with infected poultry.
• Contact with contaminated materials such as equipment, vehicles, feed, water, clothing, or shoes.
• Fecal-oral route.
• Wild birds, particularly waterfowl, are significant carriers of avian influenza viruses and can shed the virus without showing signs of illness, acting as a natural reservoir and spreading the virus during migration.

Prevention and Control Measures

Effective biosecurity is the most critical defense against HPAI. Key measures include:

• Strict Biosecurity Protocols: Implementing rigorous hygiene practices, controlling access to poultry houses, and thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting equipment and vehicles.
• Monitoring Poultry Health: Regularly observing birds for any signs of illness and promptly reporting unusual morbidity or mortality to veterinary authorities.
• Segregation: Keeping domestic poultry separate from wild birds and their droppings. This can involve housing birds indoors or using netting to prevent contact.
• Proper Disposal: Safely disposing of sick or deceased birds and contaminated materials.
• Controlled Introduction of New Birds: Quarantining new birds before introducing them to an existing flock.
• Training and Awareness: Educating poultry workers on biosecurity practices and disease recognition.

For more information on avian influenza and its management, you can refer to resources from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS): USDA APHIS Avian Influenza

Key Aspects of HPAI