26 POULTRY DISEASES
ZOONOSES ASSOCIATED WITH POULTRY FARMING
By Dr. Rajani Rajesh, BVSc &AH
F
arm animals and poultry can carry a range of diseases, some of which can be passed onto humans. These diseases are known as ‘zoonoses’. Transmission may result from direct contact with diseased birds, contaminated feaces, or through consumption of contaminated farm produce. Therefore, the consistent practice of proper animal care, good farmer hygiene and sanitation will minimize the occurrence of transmission of diseases from the animals to humans. Some diseases that might be transmitted from poultry to human are:
and even kill certain domesticated bird species including chickens, ducks, and turkeys. Infected birds can shed avian influenza A viruses in their saliva, nasal secretions, and faeces. The primary risk factor for human infection has been direct contact with live or dead infected poultry, but a few cases have resulted from consumption of uncooked poultry products. The signs and symptoms in humans have ranged from conjunctivitis to influenza-like illness to lower respiratory disease. A potential future threat to public safety comes from the ability of AI viruses to exchange genetic material with human or other animal influenza viruses. This could create a new virus that humans have little or no immunity to that can spread easily between people. Good farming practices TRANSMISSION MAY RESULT FROM DIRECT CONTACT WITH DISEASED BIRDS, CONTAMINATED FEACES, OR THROUGH CONSUMPTION OF CONTAMINATED FARM PRODUCE. THEREFORE, THE CONSISTENT PRACTICE OF PROPER ANIMAL CARE, GOOD FARMER HYGIENE AND SANITATION WILL
Avian influenza (AI) Avian influenza viruses are very contagious among birds and some of these viruses can sicken
LIVESTOCK & POULTRY ME
are essential to reduce the risk of illness and to prevent them spreading during an outbreak.
MINIMIZE THE OCCURRENCE OF TRANSMISSION OF DISEASES FROM THE ANIMALS TO HUMANS.
Salmonella Salmonellae bacteria are capable of causing enteritis and septicaemia in birds. Infected animals may produce meat, milk or eggs containing Salmonella. Feed contamination with Salmonella is known to be a source of infection for poultry. Therefore, it is recommended to monitor the Salmonella status of
JANUARY-MARCH 2022
