AVIAN INFLUENZA - ROUTES OF TRANSMISSION
What are the possible routes of transmission of avian influenza?
There are two possible ways in which the virus can be transmitted: the natural
environment, and people.
How is the virus spread through the natural environment?
The virus can be spread by wild birds or by water. Waterfowl and shorebirds are prone
to the virus, and there is incidence of low pathogenic avian influenza in wild birds
tested by the CFIA.
Poultry feed may sometimes be exposed to droppings from wild birds. This risk might
explain the outbreak in individual farms, but would not explain the rapid spread of the
virus.
There is also a danger that wild birds may contaminate surface water, which might find
its way to well water. This may be a risk for individual farms, but it is not likely the
cause of the rapid spread of the virus among farms.
How is the virus spread by people?
There is a very broad range of people who come in contact with the avian influenza
virus and could spread it if they do not take adequate biosecurity precautions. Owners and
managers of multiple farms and farm workers who are employed on several farms must be very
careful about following the biosecurity protocols. Feed representatives, poultry
veterinarians, catching crews, spray crews and others having access to poultry premises
could transmit the virus on their boots, clothing, or on the tires of their vehicles.
Casual visitors and relatives provide a threat of transmission as well. Equipment used by
any person visiting a poultry farm also provides a vector for transmitting the virus.
How can people prevent spreading or introducing the virus to poultry?
Basic biosecurity procedures can slow down the spread of the virus, helping the CFIA to
contain and stamp out the virus. Strict on-farm and personal biosecurity practices protect
poultry operations of any size.
Keep poultry in closed poultry houses
Keep wild birds and their feces away from poultry and poultry feed
Seal poultry house attics and cover ventilation openings with screens
Thoroughly and routinely clean all equipment, vehicles, including service
vehicles, clothing and footwear before and after coming into contact with poultry
Ensure proper hygiene practices for all persons coming into contact with
poultry
Maintain high sanitation standards in and around poultry houses
Isolate or avoid introducing new birds into existing poultry flocks if
their health status is unknown
Limit access to poultry houses, including farm workers, feed suppliers,
poultry veterinarians, catching crews, sawdust and shavings suppliers, agricultural
service personnel and casual visitors
Avoid using water in poultry houses contaminated with feces from wild
birds
Ensure thorough cleaning and disinfection for all cages transporting
birds
Maintain a log of all visitors coming into contact with poultry
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