Among the many diseases that chickens are susceptible to, bird flu is very dangerous, including for humans. The main distinguishing feature of the disease is mutation. The virus adapts very well to the environment in which it lives, it is elusive and almost invisible. Over the long years of the existence of bird flu, scientists have not been able to find and develop an effective vaccine against it.
The main carriers of the virus are wild birds: migratory and waterfowl. In them, bird flu develops imperceptibly and asymptomatically. They are able to spread the infection over large areas. Bird flu carriers are also exotic feathered pets. Eggs and meat of infected chickens are very dangerous for humans.
The disease manifests itself in chickens already on the second or third day. It is accompanied by lethargy in infected individuals, intense thirst and a significant decrease in productivity. The plumage of the bird is ruffled, the feathers stick out in different directions. In feathered pets, redness of the eyes is observed, and liquid begins to ooze from the beak. A few hours before death, the comb and earrings take on a blue tint. Some individuals may also exhibit unsteady gait and seizures.
In the internal organs of chickens: in the intestinal tract, liver, kidneys and respiratory tract, hemorrhage occurs.
There is currently no vaccine for avian influenza. For many years, specialists have been trying to invent drugs that can fight this terrible disease, which is dangerous not only for birds, but also for humans. The virus is constantly changing and drugs that were effective until recently can become completely useless. Another reason for the inability to save feathered pets is that the disease develops very rapidly and very little time passes from the moment of infection to the death of chickens, only a few days.
It is possible to prevent infection of domestic feathered pets with bird flu, first of all, by protecting them from contact with wild birds, using vitamin feeds in the diet. Also, you can not feed chickens with eggs from other people’s hens.
