Avian influenza is a viral disease of birds that may not manifest itself or lead to their death. The viral infection is highly contagious, which is why a large number of birds have always been infected with an outbreak of avian flu. Over time, the disease became dangerous for the human body. As a rule, people became infected from wild birds, which act as carriers of the infection. Avian flu can be classified as a deadly disease, so infection with this virus does not bode well for a person. More details about the symptoms of bird flu in humans will be discussed in this article.

For the first time, people faced this problem back in 1997, when an avian flu epidemic broke out in Hong Kong, China. Over the next few years, the disease spread to other countries, and during this time many millions of birds, both wild and living with humans, managed to become infected. People also suffered from the virus, but much less frequently. By that time, no cases of bird flu had been detected in humans on the territory of the Russian Federation.

Since the disease poses a serious threat to human health, all infected birds must be destroyed. The avian flu virus is very aggressive, as 7 out of 10 infected people die. The severity of the disease has forced representatives of many countries to actively fight its spread.

Causes of occurrence

Numerous studies by scientists have made it possible to study the 2 most dangerous varieties of the avian influenza virus: H5N1 and H7N7... Experts call them subtypes. Such viruses can easily destroy all infected birds in just 48 hours, but there are also strains that do not lead to the death of the carrier of the virus. In this case, the infected birds carry the disease in a milder form.

All viruses mutate over time. This also applies to influenza, due to the mutation of which there was a danger to human health. The mutated virus differs from the usual form in its dangerous properties - it began to spread not only to the organisms of birds, but also to domestic animals and, as a result, people. At the moment, people go to the hospital with a severe form of the disease, which can be fatal in 10-14 days.

Typical symptoms

The clinical picture of avian flu can easily be confused with the symptoms of the seasonal cold. The incubation period lasts 2-3 days, although in rare cases it can take up to 14 days.

The most common symptoms of this disease include:

  • temperature increase;
  • the appearance of muscle or headache;
  • severe chills of the body;
  • development of pharyngitis and rhinitis;
  • bleeding of the gums, blood can also come from the patient's nose;
  • discomfort in the abdomen;
  • attacks of nausea and vomiting;
  • diarrhea (occurs in every second infected);
  • renal failure.

The development of respiratory syndrome falls on the second day after infection with bird flu. In this case, the patient may develop viral pneumonia, accompanied by a cough and clear secretions. Hemoptysis, cyanosis and shortness of breath may also occur (the patient begins to choke even after little physical activity).

When a child's body is infected with influenza, meningoencephalitis can also be added to the above symptoms, and with it other accompanying symptoms: confusion, vomiting, severe headaches.

Death occurs as a result of pulmonary tissue edema, which occurs with respiratory failure. Patients with avian influenza may also be at risk of fungal or bacterial infections. This disease is extremely dangerous, therefore, at the slightest suspicion of bird flu, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Diagnostics

The peculiarity of this pathology also lies in the fact that it is almost impossible to determine it immediately after the appearance of the first symptoms. Avian flu can be mistaken for common flu, so timely treatment can be difficult. But these two diseases are very different from each other. First of all, the common form of influenza is not fatal and can be easily cured. There may be exceptions when the flu is accompanied by more serious illnesses. Fortunately, it is possible to predict the appearance of those infected with the bird flu, because it is a "nomadic" disease, and not seasonal.

It is necessary to start checking each person for signs of infection in such cases:

  • if a flu epidemic has been declared in the city;
  • domestic or wild birds begin to die en masse;
  • upon contact with a patient infected with an unknown ARVI, especially if suspicious symptoms appear after a week;
  • visiting a country or continent where outbreaks of bird flu have already been seen;
  • the appearance of suspicious symptoms in a veterinarian or poultry worker.

Diagnosis of avian influenza consists of medical tests and a visual examination of the patient. Doctors recommend going to the hospital at the first manifestation of suspicious symptoms. Such efficiency will increase the chances of a quick and effective treatment of the disease.

Treatment features

First of all, it is worth noting that self-medication for bird flu is a sure way to the grave. The disease is really serious and extremely dangerous, so you cannot rely on the medicinal herbs that your grandmother advised you to do. Therapy should be carried out inpatiently, and depending on its beginning, the chances of a complete recovery are increasing.

After a patient seeks a doctor with suspicious symptoms, he will send the patient to a hospital after performing certain tests. In the event that the symptoms disappear after 5-7 days from the start of treatment, the patient is discharged. But if there are no changes in the condition, doctors are forced to resort to more drastic measures. As a rule, antiviral drugs in combination with vitamin complexes and immunomodulators are used to treat bird flu. This activates the body's defenses against the virus. The following are the most effective antiviral drugs used to treat avian influenza.

Oseltamivir is one of the best medications for bird flu

Table. Antiviral drugs for bird flu.

Name of the drug, photoDescription

An effective antiviral agent, the active component of which is nastria alginate. The drug has detoxifying and absorbing properties, due to which it is used in medicine for the treatment of many viral diseases. Algirem is also effective against bird flu.

An inhibitory antiviral drug that affects various viruses. Regular use of Arbidol improves the production of interferon in the patient's body, thereby stimulating the cellular and humoral responses of the immune system. This increases the body's resistance to viral infections.

Unlike previous antiviral drugs, Relenza has a selective effect on viruses. The tool has regenerative and antibacterial properties, which contributes to the rapid recovery of the body after suffering a disease.

Oseltamivir carboxylate acts as an active component of this antiviral drug - it has an antiviral effect on the patient's body. The tool is actively used not only for the treatment of bird flu, but also for other viral diseases.

An effective antiviral agent that can help prevent the development of viral diseases. The active ingredient in Tamiflu is oseltamivir carboxylate. It helps to reduce the pathogenicity of the virus and inhibit its replication. The drug should be taken only under the supervision of the attending physician.

Another antiviral drug prescribed by doctors to treat bird flu. The active components of the drug penetrate deep into the cells, where the reproduction of various viruses is inhibited. Zanamivir can be prescribed for both adults and children.

On a note! In parallel with antiviral drugs, doctors prescribe other drugs, the main task of which is to eliminate the clinical manifestations of bird flu. These can be various immunomodulators, anti-cold drugs, and so on. It all depends on the specific case and the characteristics of the patient's body.

Along with many drugs prescribed by doctors, there are those that are categorically not recommended to take in the treatment of bird flu or other viral diseases. Otherwise, the patient may not only fail to alleviate the symptoms, but also radically aggravate the already difficult situation.

Taking such medicines in this case is strictly prohibited:

  • Antigrippin;
  • Analgin;
  • Aspirin.
  • hormonal drugs(doctors prescribe them for the development of an inflammatory process in the lungs);
  • antibacterial drugs(if a bacterial form of pneumonia was diagnosed).

All of them belong to potent drugs, therefore, their independent use is dangerous to health. All actions must be agreed with the doctor. This will prevent unpleasant consequences.

Prevention measures

Despite the development of modern medicine, the avian flu vaccine, unfortunately, has not yet been invented. Many scientists from all over the world are working on its creation, but so far to no avail. Therefore, you need to make every effort to avoid the appearance of this disease.

Preventive measures include the following.

  1. Avoiding contact with wild birds, especially if there is a suspicion of developing the disease in them. You also need to supervise your children so that they do not play with the birds.
  2. You shouldn't buy fresh meat from unverified sources. It is not a fact that these are unscrupulous people trying to sell meat from infected poultry.
  3. In the event of a suspicious death of poultry, it is not recommended to touch the corpses, especially if the bird died unexpectedly.
  4. After killing a sick bird, wash your hands with antibacterial soap and wash all your clothing.
  5. At the slightest suspicion of infection with bird flu, you should immediately seek medical help from a doctor. The examination should be carried out by a general practitioner.

Fortunately, bird flu is very rare in Russia. But this does not mean that you need to neglect preventive measures and not follow certain rules. Only a responsible approach will help protect your body from this unpleasant disease.

Video - What is bird flu

On the eve of Rospotrebnadzor reported that bird flu was found at a poultry farm in the Moscow region. All chickens must be destroyed, residents are explained how to handle poultry and what are the symptoms of such a virus in humans. “360” TV channel learned from the head of the laboratory of molecular biology of influenza viruses of the Research Institute of Poliomyelitis and Viral Encephalitis of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Alexandra Gambaryan, whether it is possible to get infected through boiled chicken and why epidemics are occurring in Russia.

The spread of the virus

For Russia, the good thing is that these are only extraordinary cases. In principle, it [the epidemic] does not circulate in Russia. This means that some birds have arrived from the south, or it happens that someone bought a sick woman across the border.<…>For Russia, the trouble is precisely in the fact that from time to time in recent years it has repeatedly happened

Alexandra Gambaryan.

The H5N1 virus primarily circulates in Southeast Asia and Egypt. When outbreaks occur in these regions, all livestock are destroyed there. So, during an outbreak in China, all the birds were eliminated. There were no eggs or chickens throughout the country.

Infection methods

According to Ghambaryan, the most dangerous moment when there is a risk of infection is plucking a chicken. During this process, dust from sick chicken can enter the lungs, which is likely to lead to death.

Through products - no. Although I'm not sure if someone will sell sick poultry as a product, if it is cooked properly, then there is no longer any danger.

Gambaryan on the risk of contracting bird flu through chicken.

She explained that it is necessary to destroy the sick bird, subject the chicken to heat treatment, "either burn it or boil it in boiling water." In this case, it is better for a person to have less contact with a sick bird.

Symptoms and illness

A person has a week or two [incubation period of the virus], depending on the dose. And the distinguishing symptoms are very high fever and almost guaranteed death. It is difficult to take action in advance, because the incubation period is quite long, and then everything develops quickly. But here intensive care is already important.

The biologist of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences told.

According to her, if a person can hold out for "four days" and not die, then he quickly recovers. But at the very first symptoms, you need to urgently go to the hospital.

When the disease begins, it is a high temperature, breathlessness, damage to internal organs, everything goes further and faster.

Gambaryan.

At the same time, it is now more difficult for doctors, as there is a flu epidemic. On the first day, it is difficult to distinguish it from the bird one, and an accurate diagnosis is made a few days after the laboratory examination.

An outbreak of bird flu occurred in early March in the Sergiev Posad district of the Moscow region. for residents and a reminder of the symptoms of the disease. According to open sources, the last time a person died from bird flu was in 2014 in Canada.

(H5N1) refers to a type of influenza virus that infects birds and can be transmitted from them to humans. The transmission of the disease occurs mainly through the fecal-oral route.

Historical reference

Avian influenza was first described in Italy in 1880. In the early 21st century, the disease spread through migratory birds from Southeast Asia to other countries such as Austria, Germany, Sweden, Czechoslovakia and Romania, Asia, South and North America , Africa. Avian influenza in Russia was discovered in 2005, it was brought in by wild migratory and outbreaks of the disease did not pass by the Novosibirsk, Omsk, Tyumen, Kurgan, Chelyabinsk regions and Altai Territory. The next affected by the virus are Kalmykia, Tula region, Turkey and Romania.

For the first time, the avian influenza virus in humans was recorded in 1997 in Hong Kong.

What is the danger of the disease

This type of flu is extremely dangerous for humans, microorganisms are very infectious and provoke serious damage to the lungs, the virus can affect the liver, kidneys, and brain. In addition, he is insensitive to interferon drugs, "Remantadin" and has a tendency to mutations, which makes him even more dangerous. The mortality rate from the disease is quite high and amounts to 50-80%.

How is bird flu different from normal flu?

Symptoms in humans initially resemble those of common flu. A runny nose, coughing appears, the body temperature is elevated, the person becomes weak and lethargic. But the consequences of the disease are very serious, most cases are fatal.

Therefore, if at least one bird falls ill on the farm, they destroy all the livestock in order to avoid serious consequences.

Transmission routes

The source of infection is wild waterfowl. They themselves do not get sick. Being in reservoirs with stagnant water, birds with feces leave a virus there, which infects waterfowl through the water, and then the rest that are on the farm.

The virus is transmitted to humans by airborne droplets. Poultry coughs up droplets of mucus or saliva. Inhaling them, a person becomes infected. It is possible to transmit the virus by contact, through touching objects on which the discharge of a sick bird has remained.

The virus is able to survive for many years at temperatures below minus 70 ° C, which means it can persist in frozen meat. The past is safe, the virus dies at + 70 ° С, in addition, it does not withstand repeated repeated freezing (more than 5 times).

There is a high risk of contracting the virus in people working on poultry farms, in rural residents raising poultry. Also at risk are children, pregnant women and the elderly.

The main signs

U can take two different forms. The first option has no serious consequences. A bird that is sick stops rushing, it has a cough, feathers become disheveled. The second option, in which the respiratory and digestive organs are damaged, ends in death.

How does bird flu manifest in humans? Symptoms in humans at the initial stage are similar to those of a common cold or flu, but very quickly turn into pneumonia. The disease is often fatal.

The incubation period is one to seven days. The disease has an acute onset - with high fever, pain in muscles and joints. The temperature (about 38 ° C) lasts 10-12 days, in severe cases it persists until death.
Laryngitis, rhinitis, bronchitis appear in 2-3 days, there is a severe sore throat. Along with such symptoms, viral pneumonia develops with a disease such as bird flu.

Symptoms in humans can be not only intoxicating and catarrhal. Very often the gastrointestinal tract is also affected, which is accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. You may experience bleeding from the nose or gums. A person who gets sick with bird flu quickly deteriorates.

Diagnostics

Professional medical assistance is needed at the slightest suspicion of bird flu. Symptoms in humans that have arisen after contact with a sick bird or person are a reason for immediate medical attention. The doctor-general practitioner will examine and interview the patient, as well as prescribe additional studies. When listening to the lungs, if pneumonia begins to develop, hard breathing is determined, there are moist rales. X-ray examination reveals a rapidly spreading infiltration.

In the general analysis of blood with such a disease, there is a decrease in the number of leukocytes, lymphocytes and platelets. For an accurate diagnosis, in addition to a blood test, it is necessary to take a nasal swab.

A sick person may have an enlarged liver, possibly the development of renal failure.

How to treat?

The treatment of bird flu takes place in the infectious diseases ward of the hospital, where the person will then be prescribed symptomatic therapy. The most commonly used antiviral agent "Tamiflu", which was effectively used during the epidemics of 2008 and 2009.

A less weak but effective bird flu is "Arbidol", which is prescribed in a higher dosage, which provides the maximum antiviral effect. Preparations containing paracetamol (Ibuprofen, Nise, Efferalgan) help to cope with fever and fever. Preparations that contain interferon, which is necessary for the patient.

No less important is the complete isolation of the patient, which prevents the infection of the surrounding people. A sick person should have personal hygiene products, bedding, clothes, dishes, etc. In the acute period of the disease, it is necessary to frequently flush the upper respiratory tract in order to get rid of the accumulated mucus. In addition, the patient must adhere to a strict diet, excluding or limiting fried, spicy and acidic foods.

Prophylaxis

In order to avoid infection, you must:

  • Exclude contact with wild birds.
  • Children should be prohibited from hand-feeding.
  • At the slightest signs of illness in poultry, they must be destroyed by reporting the incident to the veterinary clinic.
  • If you find dead poultry, you must immediately bury it, wearing a thick mask, protective clothing and gloves.
  • If you have poultry, remember to wash your hands thoroughly on a regular basis.
  • It is necessary to undergo a course of preventive procedures in a medical institution, going to the territory where the bird flu was detected. Prevention includes vaccinations and antiviral medications.
  • Although cases of infection after eating chicken meat have not been officially registered, it is necessary to remember the precautions when preparing dishes from poultry and eggs. Thorough cooking will help kill the virus.

If you find even the slightest signs of bird flu, contact us as soon as possible. Timely and qualified medical assistance will preserve your health, and in severe cases, even life.

Among all avian diseases, influenza is still considered the most dangerous. Due to the high mortality of the chicken population and the losses incurred on the farm, the disease is called the plague. How to recognize an insidious enemy, where to expect him from and whether it is possible to save the feathered wards - we will talk about this later in the article.

Chicken flu and its characteristics

According to the researchers, chicken flu includes about 10 strains that are fatal to chickens. Of all the types of infection studied, the most dangerous, even for experienced poultry farmers, are H5 and H7.

Did you know? In ancient times, the flu was called "influence." This name is due to unpleasant symptoms, the occurrence of which was associated with the placement of the planets and the moon. The level of medicine at that time did not allow explaining these processes in another way.

The disease is characterized by a sharp incidence and rapid development of the virus. If you do not take any action in a timely manner, you can lose the entire livestock. In addition, in recent years, scientists have started talking about the threatening danger of human infection.


The first such case was recorded in Hong Kong. Then the bird pestilence H5N1 became fatal for the whole settlement. Note that similar outbreaks, when the owners of the poultry farm were infected with the disease, occurred in Europe, Asia and Africa.

The carriers of the infection are infected waterfowl. Many of them were able to adapt to it and survive during the mutation period of the virus, remaining an active carrier of the disease. It is characteristic that in wild animals, bird flu is asymptomatic, and for domesticated birds, the virus is lethal.

In order for one chicken to become infected with this ailment, it is enough to stay once surrounded by wild birds or their environment. And to infect the entire herd, it may well be enough:

  • malnutrition;
  • overconsolidated poultry house;
  • lack of periodic disinfection of feeders and drinkers;
  • long-term transportation of livestock;
  • contact with recovered and infected individuals, as well as with their eggs and feathers;
  • the presence of rodents in the chicken coop.


Swelling of the head is one of the final symptoms of the disease.

Did you know? Every year in the modern world, from 250 thousand to half a million people die from influenza.

Young individuals who have not yet developed immunity are at particular risk of infection. According to researchers at Oxford University, who have devoted a lot of time to the study of this topic, the spread of bacteria and mass mortality of birds begin due to the fact that chickens at home due to their short life do not have time to form strong protective functions of the body. It was this factor that influenced the sudden increase in focal outbreaks of influenza in poultry.

Danger of disease and modes of transmission

Another unpleasant news for chicken farmers is the ability of bird flu to infect other feathered inhabitants of the farm. The most vulnerable to infection are turkeys, ducks and geese, which can spread viruses. That is why when one individual is infected in the poultry house, all living creatures die.


Short-term contact with wild birds is enough for chickens to get sick

Scientists identify several ways of contracting bird flu:

  1. The ingress of droppings of wild waterfowl and other birds into the chicken coop and walking areas of the wards. In a dry state, its particles, together with dust, can enter the respiratory tract, which is dangerous for humans.
  2. Eating contaminated meat and egg products and water. From the body of an infected bird, the virus spreads into the environment with feces, secretions, and hatching eggs. If you eat poorly cooked meat, soft-boiled eggs, the risks of human infection are very high. If there are feathers, excrement and eggs of diseased birds in the hen house, other birds become infected. It is unacceptable for wild birds to enter poultry houses, drink water from drinkers and eat food intended for domestic animals.
  3. Contact with cats. This unexpected moment is fraught with the death of the livestock due to the fact that cats can bring infection to the yard by swallowing an infected rodent outside the yard. Therefore, it is better not to allow fluffy wards into the chicken coop. Indeed, due to physiological characteristics, mammals are distinguished by stronger immunity.

Important! The avian influenza virus is sensitive to iodine, 70% alcohol, formalin, and Na hydrochloride.


In order to prevent infection with bird disease, people need to:

  1. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after each visit to the house and before eating food.
  2. Drink only boiled bottled water.
  3. Eat food (especially meat and eggs) that has undergone long-term heat treatment.
  4. Avoid contact with wild water birds (swans, ducks, geese, storks, cranes, herons).
  5. Observe personal safety measures during agricultural work. It should be borne in mind that viruses retain their viability for a long period. For example, in manure, infection can persist for up to 3 months, and in water bodies for 30 days. This is facilitated by low temperatures.
  6. Observe domestic feathered animals, changes in their behavior. After all, the timing of the diagnosis of the disease and therapeutic measures are of particular importance.

Did you know? According to the World Health Organization, from 2003 to 2005, 112 cases of human infection with the H5N1 avian influenza virus were registered in the world, of which 57 were fatal. Mostly residents of Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, and also Indonesia were sick.

The main forms of avian influenza


Modern veterinary science classifies influenza to RNA viruses of the genus Orthomyxoviridae, which, according to their serological characteristics, include 3 serotypes:

  • A- it is carried by wild waterfowl. Outbreaks of this infection are often the cause of human pandemics and deaths in poultry. The serotype is considered the most virulent and pathogenic for humans, and can lead to serious complications. Types of influenza type A are divided into several strains (H1N1, H2N2, H3N2, H5N1, H7N7, H1N2, H9N2, H7N2, H7N3, H7N5, H10N7, and others);
  • B- the serotype is less common than the previous one. It mutates 2-3 times slower and is distinguished by genetic diversity. Characteristically, its mutations lead to changes in circulating strains every 3-5 years, which is the cause of the corresponding epidemics. Note that an insignificant mutagenic potential and a limited number of carriers of viruses lead to the fact that an influenza B pandemic has not been recorded in nature;
  • WITH- viruses of this serotype infect humans and animals, and also provoke severe complications and local outbreaks. The absence of mutations in this form of influenza accompanies the fact that a person gets sick with it only once in a lifetime, and subsequently he develops strong immunity.

Important! In humans, the symptoms of avian influenza do not differ from those of other viral infections, but the mortality rate is much higher. Patients are observed: headaches and muscle pain, general weakness, fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding from the nose and gums. On the 5th day of the development of the disease, breathing problems begin.

Today, scientists know about 15 subtypes of type A viruses. The most dangerous of them are H5N1 and H7N7. Simultaneous circulation of several strains of influenza is possible. It takes a very short time for the infection to hit the chicken body. After 48 hours of the development of the disease, you can lose the entire livestock.
Pupil damage may be a symptom of avian influenza

There are cases when the disease is asymptomatic in a mild form. Then in domestic birds the dynamics of oviposition may decrease and the external characteristics of the feather may deteriorate. But severe forms of influenza appear within 20 hours after the infection enters the bird's body. The incubation period can be 3 to 5 days.

The course of avian influenza can be characterized by the following forms:

  • acute(the most dangerous with a bright clinic);
  • subacute(the disease lasts from 10 to 25 days and is characterized by an unlikely mass death of the livestock, recovery occurs in about 80 percent of cases);
  • chronic(occurs when infection with a low pathogenic strain has occurred, is asymptomatic).

Stages of avian influenza

A viral infection, getting into the chicken body, multiplies on its mucous membranes. Already after 4 hours, the strain infects the blood, adversely affecting its formula, which causes a deficiency of red blood cells.


During the entire period of being in the body of any living creature, the influenza virus goes through 4 stages of development:

  1. It is characterized by the multiplication of infection and the accumulation of toxic substances in the body.
  2. The virus already enters the bloodstream and is easily detected in its composition. This is the period of viremia, when there is a massive mortality in the chicken population. It is due to the release of toxins.
  3. The multiplication of viruses has already stopped, and the body produces antibodies.
  4. In the body of a sick bird, an accumulation of antibodies occurs, which triggers the mechanism of resistance to the disease.

Avian influenza symptoms

The fact that pets have become infected with bird flu can only be guessed when the disease progresses in an acute form, as well as in cases of highly pathogenic strains that are dangerous to health.

The disease is manifested by the following symptoms:


Important! The H5N1 and H7N7 viruses are transmitted by airborne droplets from infected birds to humans. So far, no cases of transmission of infection between sick and healthy people have been established.

Influenza diagnostics

It is important to observe the behavior of the chickens under care and promptly respond to any deviations in their behavior. There is currently no effective treatment for the deadly strains of influenza. Therefore, if the slightest symptomatology of the disease is detected, it is advisable to inform the veterinary service to check the diagnosis.

The disease is confirmed by histological examination of dead chickens. In such cases, the following are usually found:


Also, in laboratory conditions, fresh pathological material from dead chickens (liver, lungs, brain) is examined. In order to preserve a viral infection, it is permissible to freeze the test samples up to 60 degrees Celsius or to keep them in a glycerin solution. To confirm the results obtained, blood serum is taken from infected chickens at various stages of the course of the disease. The data obtained make it possible to conclude about the presence or absence of the avian influenza virus.

Experts consider the diagnosis to be confirmed in the following cases:

  • isolation and identification of a highly pathogenic virus (especially if there are signs of the H5 and H7 subtypes);
  • the presence of identifying signs of ribonucleic acid;
  • the presence of antibodies to hemagglutinins of viruses of the H5 and H7 subtypes.
After diagnosing a dangerous ailment, to prevent its further progression, all infected individuals are killed. The meat and egg products of such poultry are not suitable for consumption and must be destroyed.


In sick individuals, the crest turns blue

In cases where focal outbreaks of bird flu with fatal outcomes have been recorded in neighboring regions, it is important to completely limit free range of domestic birds and keep them completely isolated from the external environment for the next 25 days.

Important! The bird flu virus is easily destroyed by heat treatment. In meat, infectious agents die after a ten-second exposure at a temperature of +85 degrees Celsius.

Is it possible to treat avian influenza

Even if only one chicken died in your chicken coop from an unknown disease, if the diagnosis of bird flu is confirmed, you will have to kill all the livestock in a bloodless way and burn it. This requirement is justified by the fact that the disease cannot be treated, and the living creatures were in close contact with each other. After slaughter, the house should be disinfected several times.

Despite the development of veterinary medicine, today there is no vaccine against a dangerous virus. Scientists explain this situation by the intensive spread of the strain and its rapid mutation. That is why all attempts to invent an antidote were doomed to failure. So far, researchers have only managed to find compounds that inhibit the development of the virus in the body.


For personal safety, the World Health Organization recommends to all homeowners and poultry owners:

  1. Limit contact of poultry with any wildlife.
  2. Do not allow children to come into contact with wild water birds.
  3. Dispose of dead livestock by incineration or in specially designated places.
  4. If there are sick individuals in the flock, take care of poultry, protecting yourself with a respirator, mask and gloves. Also, be sure to use removable shoes. After work, it is imperative to wash your face and hands with soap, and treat your clothes with special disinfectants, to which influenza viruses are sensitive.
  5. Never eat meat and eggs of a sick bird or bird in contact with it.
  6. Immediately report cases of illness to a veterinary specialist.
  7. In the presence of symptoms of viral infections in people developing against the background of a chicken mortality, urgently seek medical help.
  8. Always store meat and egg products in separate containers in the refrigerator.

Did you know? The first mentions of bird flu date back to 1878. The disease was reported in Italy by the veterinarian Peronchitto. In connection with the mass death of the livestock, it was originally called the "chicken plague".

Avian influenza prevention

According to experts, no measures can guarantee one hundred percent protection of the livestock from adversity. But still, if you act in a complex manner, you can create a reliable barrier that no strain can overcome.


Key preventive measures in the fight against insidious avian influenza are:

  1. Complete isolation of poultry from wild brethren.
  2. Restriction of domestic animals from public water bodies, and in cases of focal outbreaks, from possible places of stay of wild birds (this period can drag on for several months, so reliable and comfortable enclosures will be very appropriate).
  3. Strict control of feed intake and water quality. It is unacceptable for young animals to feed on eggs of unknown origin. Better to use homemade products.
  4. Regular disinfection of feeders, drinkers and poultry houses.
  5. Establishing a balanced diet from the first days of chicks' life, as well as introducing vitamin complexes into their daily diet.
  6. In cases of suspicion of infection, you can give sick individuals "Terramycin" (spray the drug at a 20-centimeter distance from a sick chicken), "Chlortetracycline" (the drug is added to feed mash at the rate of 0.3 g per 1 kg of live weight).
Preventing a disease is always much easier than curing it. And in this case, when many years of attempts to find a cure for a dangerous virus did not bring the expected result, any preventive measures should be scrupulously followed. Even the most impracticable recommendations at first glance justify the desire to preserve the chicken population.

Video about diseases of chickens

10 questions and answers to the most popular questions about the flu epidemic at the Laishevsky poultry complex

At the poultry complex "Laishevsky" all the livestock of chickens will be destroyed - this is 450 thousand pieces. The All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Animal Breeding in Vladimir has confirmed the assumption of Tatarstan veterinarians about an epidemic of bird flu at a poultry farm. Experts have found highly pathogenic H5 virus in birds. The plant produced products under the brand name "Derevenka", about a million eggs were on sale. What to do with "flu" eggs, is it possible to get sick with bird flu and whether prices for chicken meat will skyrocket - Realnoe Vremya has answered the most popular questions.

Infected eggs ended up in kindergartens ?! This is true?

Yes, truth. The Laishevsky poultry complex supplied products to kindergartens and schools in Tatarstan. Since May 1, he has shipped 214 thousand eggs to children's institutions. In theory, products can be contaminated with avian influenza, but laboratory tests are needed to establish this for sure. If they establish the presence of bird flu, then all products will be destroyed. Just in case, all batches of dubious eggs were sealed, they are not prepared from them.

I bought the Derevenka eggs, will the money be returned to me if I hand them over to the store?

The store is unlikely to accept these eggs from the customer. In order to return the product, you must prove that it is of poor quality. At a minimum, establish that these particular eggs are infected with the influenza virus. This is done in the laboratory of the Rosselkhoznadzor. Whether the time spent is worth the cost of a dozen eggs is up to you.

Of the million eggs released from the factory since May 1, it was possible to locate 300 thousand, plus those 214 thousand that ended up in kindergartens. Photo ko-ko.ru

I ate the Derevenka eggs. Will I get bird flu?

You are not alone in this situation. Of the million eggs released from the factory since May 1, it was possible to locate 300 thousand, plus those 214 thousand that ended up in kindergartens. All the rest were bought up and probably used. No cases of influenza have been reported as a result of this in the past few days. The virus dies at a temperature of +70 degrees, and if you did not eat them raw, then even theoretically there can be nothing bad for you.

What if I have contaminated eggs in my refrigerator?

See the answer to the previous question: the virus dies at a temperature of +70 degrees. Cook them hard-boiled and eat them boldly. The main thing is to wash your hands thoroughly, after contact with the egg - the virus may be on the shell. If you turn back from the mere thought that there are flu-like eggs in the house, then dispose of them. But just not throwing it in the trash in a raw form - they can become prey for pigeons and crows. For them, the virus is terrible - massive infection and death of wild birds will begin. The Rosselkhoznadzor advises: before throwing away, the eggs must first be boiled or, in extreme cases, bury.

But what about semi-finished products? They don't even write what poultry farm they come from?

Same. You don't eat them raw, do you? Well, in general, "Laishevsky" specialized only in eggs, they did not produce chicken meat, so there can be no infection in the display cases with wings and chicken legs.

Treatment is appropriate - drinking plenty of fluids, antipyretic, antiviral drugs. Photo proalergico.sk

So bird flu is not dangerous to humans at all?

Not certainly in that way. It is not dangerous for those who eat properly and carefully thermally processed products. But it can be dangerous for workers of the poultry complex - people who come into contact with sick poultry. Symptoms of the disease are the same as with the usual flu - high fever, sore throat, weakness. Treatment is appropriate - drinking plenty of fluids, antipyretic, antiviral drugs. There were such cases - from 2004 to 2006, 167 people fell ill with avian influenza A virus in six countries - Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, China, Turkey, including 78 fatal. Avian influenza can only be transmitted from person to person if the virus mutates.

What will happen to sick layers?

All chickens from the infected poultry farm will be destroyed. This is about 450 thousand heads. The first 15 thousand, whose disease can be recognized without tests (the symptoms are the same as in people - fever, weakness, snot), have already been burned. The rest, healthy or not, the same fate awaits in the near future. This is done for preventive purposes, so as not to cause massive infection of all poultry in the region.

Sorry for the bird. Will they be burned alive?

Since the virus dies at high temperatures, it was decided to burn all the birds. As told in the Rosselkhoznadzor in Tatarstan, they will not destroy chickens with such a slaughter method as burning alive. The birds will be killed first, there are several options - with the help of special preparations, gas chambers, or simply by turning off the ventilation in the chicken coop. Only after that the carcasses will be burned.

Private backyards under the special supervision of veterinarians. Checkpoints are organized around the focus of infection, which work around the clock. Photo ko-ko.ru

What should the owners of private farmsteads that keep chickens do?

Quarantine has been introduced in Laishevsky district. The area around the village Sovkhoz im. On October 25, where the Laishevskaya poultry farm is located, it was divided into two zones, in the threatened contamination zone within 5 km there are three settlements - the village of Aleksandrovsky, the village of Srednee Devyatovo, and the village of Smoldeyarovo. Private farmsteads under the special supervision of veterinarians. Checkpoints are organized around the focus of infection, which work around the clock. The second zone - within a radius of 10 km - belongs to the observation zone, it includes the city of Laishevo, the villages of Imenkovo, Chirpy, Emelyanovo and several villages. Residents who keep a bird need to closely monitor its health.

Will the eggs go up in price now?

The factory, although it was one of the largest in Tatarstan, but, as stated in the Ministry of Agriculture of the republic, occupied only 10% of the egg market of the republic. As the Minister of Agriculture Marat Akhmetov said, "a slight rise in price may or may not be at all." We are talking about eggs, the factory did not produce meat, and the flu epidemic at Laishevsky should not affect its prices. As for the damage to the enterprise, it amounts to about 100 million rubles. After lifting the quarantine and disinfecting the factory, after three months, the owners can resume work. The Ministry of Agriculture promised to help.

Daria Turtseva