Outbreak Control in Poultry

Several steps should be taken to control an outbreak of HPAI:

Controlled movement of birds and products that may contain virus

nfected "zones" should be identified, and movement of items and birds from those zones should be controlled.

Destruction of infected and at-risk poultry ("stamping out"); according to a recent article that
- This should be done as humanely and as quickly as possible, preferably within 24 hours after infection in the flock is detected.
- One widely used method is asphyxiation using carbon dioxide.
- Stringent cleaning and disinfection of the facilities and equipment should be performed after culling.
- No new birds should be allowed in facilities for at least 21 days after depopulation and disinfection.
- According to a recent article following a 2003 H7N7 outbreak in the Netherlands, complete depopulation of infected areas seemed to be the most effective control measure. However, when the HPAI strain becomes endemic (as is the current situation in Asia with H5N1), efforts to eradicate the virus from poultry in affected areas are likely to be less effective.
Proper disposal of carcasses and all animal products in contact with the infected flock should be performed in a biosecure and environmentally acceptable manner.

Vaccination of flocks may be suitable for control in some situations or may be used as an adjunct to mass culling efforts

Free Ask Question: