There was a time when bird flu was very popular in Nigeria, it became a widespread infection that resulted in the death of several birds and it was a huge loss for farm owners who had to take responsibility for this loss.
Avian influenza(AI) is a viral infection whose primary infection is connected with domestic poultry, pets, and wild birds. Typically, AI viruses are of low pathogenicity causing subclinical infections, respiratory disease, or reduction in the production of eggs. On the other hand, a few cases of AI viruses are highly pathogenic, causing serious systemic disease with multiple organ failure and a high mortality rate.
Avian Influenza is highly contagious amongst birds, with some viruses causing serious sickness and even killing some domesticated birds, including turkeys, ducks, and chickens.
Low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) causes no sign of the disease, sometimes, it shows mild signs. In poultry, some low-pathogenic viruses can mutate into a high-pathogenic avian influenza viruses.
AI virus can be shed in the feces and respiratory secretions, the spread could be through the secretions of an infected bird, especially through contaminated water or feed. The AI virus is highly resistant, and it can survive for a long time when temperatures are low, it can also easily be spread through farm equipment from one farm to another.
Domestic birds like turkeys, chickens, and ducks could get infected with Avian Influenza A viruses when there is direct contact with an infected waterfowl or other infected poultry. There could also be an infection through contact with a surface contaminated with the virus.
As a precaution amongst humans, people are advised to avoid direct contact with wild birds, they should only be observed from a distance. Even if wild birds do not look sick, they can still be infected with avian influenza. Surfaces that are contaminated with mucous, saliva, or feces.
The best way to prevent Avian Influenza is to avoid sources of exposure as much as possible. It is rare for humans to get the flu, but it is very possible when enough virus enters into a person's nose, mouth, or eyes or when it is inhaled.
When a virus enters into the air and a person breathes it in, or when a person touches something that has a virus on it and then touches the mouth, eyes, or nose.
Frequently wash of hands with soap and water after touching birds, as a poultry owner, ensure to change your clothes before contact with domestic poultry and wild birds. The practice of good hygiene and cleanliness is highly essential as well.
Every suspected case of zoonotic influenza needs to be treated with every sense of urgency, the health authorities involved need to be notified and the necessary clinical case should be provided. Patients who have influenza need to be managed properly to prevent serious illness and eventual death.
Any surface that appears to be contaminated with animal faces should be avoided. Children, pregnant women, old people, postpartum women, and generally people who have a weak immune system should avoid collecting eggs, slaughtering, or even joining food preparation.
The infection in humans could result in; pneumonia, eye infections, acute respiratory distress, and inflammation of the heart and the brain.
While we can say the infection is highly reduced, we also need extra care to ensure that we are protected from the zoonotic form of the infection.