World Poultry BRM

8/7/2019 World Poultry BRM

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World Poultry Industry

Introduction:

The world's poultry industry makes a significant contribution to the supply of

dietary animal protein in both industrialized and developing countries. The

growth rates for broiler meat exceeded competing animal protein sources over

the past 10 years, and in North America and Western Europe, broiler and turkey

products have collectively displaced beef as the most popular meat source. Egg

consumption, although substantial in many countries, is relatively static with real

growth in developing markets in the Asia-Pacific region.

The inherent efficiency in feed conversion associated with both eggs and

meat has contributed to low production costs relative to competing livestock.

Taking into account losses associated with defeathering, processing, deboning

and cooking, the conversion of feed to edible product favours chickens.

Efficiency is even more striking when comparing the conversion of lysine and

methionine in feed to essential amino acids in eggs and poultry meat. This is

important in countries with limited agricultural resources to feed burgeoning

populations.

Important cost factors:

Factors such as climate, availability and cost of land, capital and labor,

proximity to markets, and above all, the price of feed ingredients determine the

profitability of poultry production. Through the 1980's and 1990's, disparity

between demand and supply of food, and the relative cost of production have

differentiated nations as either self-sufficient, exporters or importers of eggs and

poultry meat. In some cases, domestic industries are only viable when protected

by tariffs or subsidies. The major exporting countries, including the United States,

Brazil, France and Holland, have achieved advanced levels of efficiency asso-

ciated with their scale of production and integration. High volume producers are

able to apportion fixed costs over a large tonnage of poultry meat and eggs and

achieve incremental returns from further processed and derived products.

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Poultry sector in Pakistan at a Glance

Number of Industries / Units

Hatcheries

Feed Mills

285

141

Poultry Farms (Nos)

o Layers

o Broilers

o Breeders

4,509

19,279

430

Total investment in the Sector

(2002-03) Population (2002-03)

Layers

Broilers

Breeding Stock

Rs. 60 Billion

15 Million

528 Million

6.0 Million

Population of Rural Poultry

(2002-03) Total Capacity (2002-

03)

Capacity Utilization

1. Hatcheries

2. Feed Mills

66.15 Million

337 Million (Day old chicks)

(90%)

2.52 Million tons (80%)

Poultry products

Commercial eggs

Commercial meat

BroilersCulled Birds & Layers

3,600 Million (No)

502,000 Tons

475,000 Tons

27,000 Tons

Poultry Sector in Pakistan

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The Poultry Industry in Pakistan has made rapid strides during the past two

decades, transforming from a rural unorganized activity into a modern organized

industry. On the one hand it has emerged as a profitable Agribusiness and onthe other, the industry has made vital contribution to greater food production

providing a good source of cheap, palatable and nutritious protein.

Poultry, as a sub-sector of livestock contributes Rs. 47 billion to GDP, which is

5.5% of total agricultural GDP and 1.38% to National GDP. Being a labour

intensive industry, it provides employment to one lac people. Per capita

availability of poultry meat is 3.71 Kgs./annum. Returns in the sector are quick as

income from broilers commences within 8 - 9 weeks and from layers returns pour

in after 20 - 22 weeks.

Poultry products in Pakistan are being developed through two systems i.e.

Commercial and Rural Poultry Farming. Commercial Poultry Farming has

bridged the gap between supply and demand of animal protein. It also keeps a

check on prices of mutton and beef. PIA has pioneered in establishing the first

modern Hatchery in 1965 at Karachi. Since then, the sector has substantially

developed and total investment in this sector is approximately Rs 60.0 billion with

a growth rate of 10-15% per annum. Investment trends in the sector since 1991-

92 are summarized in the table and graph. As can be seen from the investment

trend, until 1996-97, the investments were pouring in the sector but declined after

the promulgation of marriage Ordinance in 1996-97. During 1998-99 to 2002-03,

the situation has however improved.

Large-scale investment and proper incentives have resulted in the

establishment of 285 hatcheries to produce 337 million day old chicks, 141 feed

mills to produce 2.52 million tons of compound feed per annum and 24,218

poultry farms to produce 615.15 million Layers, Broilers and Breeders including

rural poultry production.

The Problem

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The bird flu, or the H5N1 virus, or avian flu as it is also known, is a type of

influenza virulent in birds. It was first identified in Italy in the early 1900s and is

now known to exist worldwide. Some news items appeared indicating outbreak of

bird flu in Thailand affecting humans. This was the first full case of probable

human-to-human transmission raising concerns about a potential global flu

pandemic, the virus being reported as H5N1.

Pakistan's poultry industry is facing problems because of false reports about the

appearance of Bird Flu in Pakistan. Similar reports caused a loss of over Rs10

billion to the industry early this year.

Experts estimated that the bird flu outbreak would cost the Asia Pacific region

around US $500 million. However, as the industry continues to be affected by fur-

ther outbreaks, the cost appears to be rising all the time.

Research Objectives

As far as the experts in the poultry industry are concerned they claim that all the

reports about the appearance of bird flu in Pakistan are just rumors with no

reality in them but as we look at the news papers, we come across different

reports about the outbreak of bird flu in Pakistan attacking human beings.

One such news to quote here is:

The H5N1 bird flu virus has been confirmed at another poultry farm, said Dr

Muhammad Afzal, the director of department of food and livestock, on Sunday.

He said that around 3,000 chickens were culled in a poultry farm in Sihala, near

Islamabad, after they were found infected with bird flu. Poultry meat from Sihala

is supplied to the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

In order to find out the reality we carried this research. The main objectives of

this research are:

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1. What is Bird Flu?

2. Is Bird Flu really fatal for Human beings?

3. Is the outbreak of Bird Flu in Pakistan a reality of just a rumor?

4. If the threat is real then what measures can be taken to control it?

Background

Some facts about Bird Flu:

>> What is the "bird flu"?

Bird flu is an infection caused by avian (bird) influenza (flu) viruses. These flu

viruses occur naturally among birds. Wild birds worldwide carry the viruses in

their intestines, but usually do not get sick from them. However, bird flu is very

contagious among birds and can make some domesticated birds, including

chickens, ducks, and turkeys, very sick and kill them Wild waterfowl can also be

responsible for the primary introduction of infection into domestic

poultry.

>>How is avian influenza spread?

Certain birds act as hosts of influenza viruses. Infected birds shed virus in

saliva, nasal secretions and feces. Avian influenza viruses spread to susceptible

birds when they have contact with contaminated nasal, respiratory and fecal

material from infected birds. How can doctors detect bird flu? With a blood test of

a person suspected of having it.

>>Is the bird flu deadly?

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The current strain of bird flu circulating in Asia can be deadly. About two-thirds

of infected people can die from this strain.

>>How do you catch bird flu?

People have caught bird flu from handling infected poultry and from surfaces

contaminated with poultry feces. There are a few suspected cases of human-to-

human bird flu transmission. This happened only after prolonged face-to-face

contact. But bird flu has not learned how to spread easily from person to person.

>>What are the signs and symptoms of avian influenza?

The symptoms of avian influenza in humans range from typical influenza-like

symptoms (e.g., fever, cough, sore throat and muscle aches) to eye infections,

pneumonia, acute respiratory distress, viral pneumonia, and other severe and

life-threatening complications.

>>Is there a vaccine against bird flu?

There is an experimental vaccine, but flu experts say it is unlikely to be a good

match for the H5N1 strain that will eventually emerge. Using current technology it

takes 6 months or more to make a new flu vaccine and there is no way to predict

what the pandemic strain will look like.

>>What are the symptoms of avian influenza in humans?

Symptoms of avian influenza in humans have ranged from typical human

influenza-like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches) to eye

infections, pneumonia, severe respiratory diseases (such as acute respiratory

distress syndrome), and other severe and life-threatening complications.

The symptoms of avian influenza may depend on which specific virus subtype

and strain caused the infection.

>>How is avian influenza in humans treated?

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Studies done in laboratories suggest that the prescription medicines approved

for human influenza viruses should work in treating avian influenza infection in

humans.

However, influenza viruses can become resistant to these drugs, so these

medications may not always work. Additional studies are needed to determine

the effectiveness of these medicines.

The Threat of Bird Flu

AVIAN INFLUENZA or bird flu is an infectious disease of the birds. Avian

flu viruses exist almost everywhere in the world. The disease is caused by15 subtypes of the influenza virus.

The highly pathogenic forms tend to be caused by influenza A viruses of

subtypes H5 and H7. Avian influenza currently prevalent in Asia and Europe is

caused by the H5N1 strains of influenza virus.

Influenza viruses target the gastrointestinal tract of waterfowl and ducks and

these birds can shed virus for as long as 10 to 30 days. As one of the wild birds

symptoms is diarrhoea, the virus might spread in contaminated water. Influenza

viruses can persist and retain infectivity in water. Bird flu was first described by

Prentice in 1878 in Italy as a serious disease of the birds that particularly infected

chickens. So far as the history of bird flu in humans is concerned, its first

infection was reported in May 1997 when a three-year-old boy became the first of

six people to die in Hong Kong after getting infected with a mysterious virus, later

identified as H5N1.

The strain continued infecting both birds and humans and until early March, 175

human cases had been reported of which 95 proved fatal. In addition, more than200 million chickens perished.

People who fell victim to this deadly virus belonged to Thailand, Indonesia,

Vietnam, China, Cambodia, North Korea, Laos, Russia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia,

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Turkey, Greece, Hong Kong, France and Romania. In Pakistan the first case was

reported in poultry farms in Mansehra and Karachi in 2004 and the virus was H7.

The host species of influenza viruses are wild birds, domestic birds, large land

mammals (horses and pigs), sea mammals and humans. Wild birds include

migratory water birds, shore birds, quails and galliformes. Domestic birds include

chicken, turkey, ducks and other poultry.

Vulnerable birds can become infected with avian influenza virus when they get

in contact with contaminated nasal, respiratory, or faecal material from infected

birds. Faecal-to-oral transmission is the most common mode of spread between

birds.

The diagnosis of avian influenza is based on the isolation and characterization

of the virus. In classical clinical presentations a patient is suspected to be suffer-

ing from bird flu if he or she has a respiratory illness and has had a recent direct

or indirect contact with sick chickens or other birds. X-ray of the chest is useful in

detecting early viral pneumonia.

Specimens like nasopharyngeal aspirate, endotracheal aspirate, sputum and

serum from clinically suspected cases are subjected to laboratory investigations

for further confirmation. Because of easy manageability, low cost, and the

possibility of automation and processing of large number of samples and some of

the widely recognized advantages of this technology, Elisa has made significant

contributions in this area.

The reported symptoms of avian influenza in humans range from typical

influenza-like symptoms to eye infections and other severe and life-threatening

complications. Symptoms take three days from the intake of virus to appear.

Following are the major symptoms: persistent high fever; chills; headache; sore

throat; extreme fatigue; nausea; muscle aches; respiratory distress; and, viral

pneumonia.

Infected birds display the following symptoms; difficulty in respiration; decrease

in weight; loss of hunger; falling of wings; decrease in number of eggs; tremors;

diarrhoea; head tilt and paralysis; and, staggering.

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Almost all the human cases were contracted from birds. Isolated cases of

human-to-human transmission were reported from Hong Kong and Vietnam, but

none was confirmed.

Influenza A viruses are found in various animals, including ducks, chickens,

pigs, whales, horses, and seals. However, certain subtypes of influenza A virus

are specific to certain species, except for birds which are hosts to all strains.

Subtypes that have caused widespread illness among people either in the past or

the current period are H3N2, H2N2, H1N1, and H1N2. H1N1 and H3N2 subtypes

have caused outbreaks among pigs and H7N7 and H3N8 viruses have caused

outbreaks in horses.

Influenza A viruses normally seen in one species sometimes can cross over

and cause illness in another species. For instance, until 1998 only H1N1 viruses

circulated widely in the American pig population. However, in 1998 H3N2 viruses

from humans were introduced to the pig population and caused widespread

disease.

Avian influenza viruses may be transmitted to humans in two main ways:

- Directly from birds or from avian virus-contaminated environments to

people, and;

-Through an intermediat host, such as a pig.

Influenza viruses have eight separate gene segments. The segmented genome

allows viruses from different species to mix and create a new influenza A virus, if

viruses from two different species infect the same person or animal. Influenza

viruses are RNA viruses, meaning they lack mechanism for proofreading and

repairing genetic errors.

This makes them especially prone to mutation, requiring us to reformulate

vaccines every year. The only thing to do is to act very strongly during the

outbreak. Possible steps include:

- A buffer zone around the poultry farms;

- Do not use half cooked meat or eggs;

- Use mask and gloves while handling birds;

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- Cook the poultry meat for at least half an hour at boiling temperature of

water;

- The persons handling poultry should be vaccinated;

- Bans on importing live chickens and other poultry products from countries

affected by bird flu is a critical step to prevent the entry of bird flu;

- Effective disease surveillance of domestic poultry and wild birds should be

ensured for early detection and reporting of outbreaks;

- People handling domesticated and wild animals should be educated about

the health risks involved;

- Poultry farms and associated premises should be made 'biosecure';

- Swift and complete culls of infected poultry should be carried out in the

event of an outbreak;

- Movement of birds and products that may contain the virus should be

restricted;

- Carcasses and potentially infective material should be disposed of in a

bio-secure manner, and;

- Poultry should be vaccinated against the disease.

Antiviral medications such as Tamiflu and Relenza have been effective in

fighting the virus. Tamiflu is like a seat belt. Seat belts will help prevent injuries if

you're in an accident, but they won't prevent the accident.

Tamiflu is important, but it can't stop an outbreak from happening. Although

these compounds are able to stop virus replication, they cannot repair the

damage already done by the virus. Hence, drugs must be given very soon after

the initial infection in order to be effective.

Relenza is a powder inhaled into the lungs. Tamiflu is a pill. Mode of action of

these drugs is neuraminidase inhibition. But the most promising first line of

defence seems to be antiviral drugs, and of those currently available, the

neuraminidase inhibitors appear to be the best.

For the drugs to be of any use, huge quantities would have to be made

available immediately. Also, there's no evidence that the virus is being passed

through eating chicken products, say doctors.

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- Heat kills viruses and WHO says chicken products should be cooked

thoroughly at temperatures of at least 70 degrees Celsius;

- WHO also says people should wash their hands for 20 seconds with an

antibacterial soap after handling poultry. They should also ensure that

poultry carcasses do not contaminate other objects;

- You should take special care to avoid cross-contamination by separating

cooked and raw meat;

- Cutting boards should be sanitised by using a solution of 1 teaspoon

chlorine bleach in 1 quart of water; and;

- Cook eggs till the yolk is not runny and the pink colour disappears from

meat.

As any perishable meat, fish or poultry, germs can be found on raw or

undercooked chicken. Germs multiply rapidly at temperatures between 4 and 60

degrees Celsius. Freezing does not kill bacteria but they are destroyed by

thorough cooking to 70 degrees Celsius.

Public health officials are alarmed by the unprecedented outbreaks in poultry

because of several reasons:

- High pathogenecity of the virus H5N1;

-Unique capacity of this strain to jump the species barrier;

- High mortality in humans, and;

- Greater capability of mutation in viruses.

The H5N1 pathogen kills birds in less than an hour. Transmission to humans is

still rare but about 50 per cent of the people who have contracted the disease,

mostly by handling poultry, have died. Scientists are afraid that if this virus gains

the ability to transfer among humans, millions of deaths may occur due to a flu

pandemic.

What is clearly established is the role of infected poultry in the transmission of

the disease. Consequently, our steps should focus on stopping the spread of the

virus in the poultry sector though improved surveillance and biosecurity in

farming enterprises.

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The potential for a human pandemic remains recognized. Should the current

viral strain increase its transmissibility through mutation or re-assortment,

human-to-human transfer of the disease will increase.

MethodologyResearch design:

In order to workout for our research we choose Interview method. We

interviewed five doctors who are working in the field of poultry. We choose this

method because the best way to find out the reality about the bird flu is to ask

about the professionals in that field as they are the best and reliable source of

information in this matter.

Interview # 1:

Dr. Shahzad Sarwar

After taking the interview of Dr. Shahzad Sarwar we learned the facts which are

summarized below.

Bird flu is the type of avian influenza it is very difficult to differentiatenormal flu and bird flu.

There are several types of flue in the birds. These names are H1, H2, H3,H4, H5, H6 AND H7. Bird flu is a variant of H5 virus. The virus of bird flue

is H5N1.

Bird flu really exists. To way to prevent bird flu affecting the humans is tocook the chicken properly, it means above 100F as the virus of avian

influenza cannot survive at that temperature.

As far as media is concerned, there is not a single case of bird fluappearing in Pakistan in reality but after every few days a threat appear

affecting or killing people which is nothing more than story. This thing is

discouraging people very much to buy chicken.

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Impact of bird flu on poultry industry has been very threatening. About1000 poultry farms will be closed due to rumors of bird flu as the demand

for chicken had fell to a dangerous level. To save the industry from further

damage government should import vaccines against avian influenza for

chicken and provide it to the farmers at cheap prices.

Interview # 2:

Dr. Safdar bhatti

After taking the interview of Dr. Safdar Bhatti we learned the facts which are

summarized below.

Bird flu is the type of virus which existed specially in birds, it is quit similar

to ordinary flu and is caused by virus H5N1.

Bird flu so not that big threat as is portrayed by media. This is basically

propaganda by western countries in order to sell their medicines and

chickens.

Media is playing somewhat misleading role as there is not a single valid or

confirmed news about the effects or even existence of bird flu virus.

Impact of rumors about bird flu in news papers on the poultry industry are

taking it slowly to the critical point. If government is really to save this

industry then timely steps are needed before it starts to shutdown.

Interview # 3:

Dr. Muhammad Aslam:

After having the interview of Dr. Muhammad Aslam we uncovered the facts

which are summarized below.

Bird flu basically a disease of influenza. Which is found in birds but the

recent crisis of bird flu are the causes of mixing of influenza virus and the

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virus of other animal specially pigs, now the virus has showed up as

H5N1, which is found in 52 countries including Pakistan.

Now a days this disease is spreading by birds to human but scientists

believe if the virus kept on mutating and started to transfer from human to

human than the results will be really hazardous.

So the safety precautions must be taken and vaccination should be

started and affected birds should be culled and environment in farms

should be controlled in order to prevent this virus. Government should also

start a safety programs for the farmers in order to train them in prevention

of bird flu virus.

The role of media is very critical in this matter and instead of spreading

rumors it should develop confidence in people about the truth that poultry

meat is safe from bird flu.

Interview # 4:

Dr. Allah Nawaz

After having the interview of Dr. Allah Nawaz we uncovered the facts which are

summarized below.

Bird flu is basically an influenza virus which was first time introduce in

1906 with the name of pelage and 100 million people died through this

virus. This virus is combination of H and N series of viruses.

In 1935 this virus attacked the subcontinent and caused high mortality.

The recent virus H5N1 is a virus which is dead at 70C and through

washing hands with any detergent within 30 to 35 minutes after coming in

direct contact with virus. There are about 230 cases about people being

attacked by the virus reported in past ten years out of which 113 were

dead while others recovered.

This virus can be controlled through hygienic environment and better

treatments for the example in Thailand and Vietnam they controlled this

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disease and no case appeared in 2006. This virus is transferred in

humans through air.

The bird affected by bird flu is usually dead within 24 to 48 hours and an

effected human within 10 days. Symptoms of this disease in human are

followed by high fever and flu.

Up till now media has not found even a single evidence about the

existence of avian influenza virus in Pakistan, but is spreading false

rumors which should be stopped.

Interview # 5:

Dr. Tariq Ramay

After having the interview of Dr. Tariq Ramay we uncovered the facts which are

summarized below.

Bird flue virus is combination of two proteins of H and N, their chemical

name is hemaglanation (H) and neuraminidase (N) which had different

types. These viruses mutates continuously has now taken the shape of

bird flu in the form of H5N1, which attacks on the respiratory track of birds.

This virus is threat for farm workers, owner and doctors.

This virus is dead at 70C, so far the safety lies in cooking the meat. This

virus may be able to transfer from human to human but at this point no

such real case exists. There is a chance that maybe the virus of bird flu

was imported from other countries by the local medicine companies in

order to prepare the vaccines of bird flu spread the virus themselves in

order to sale their vaccines.

H5, H7, H9 is normally present in birds, but proper laboratory exist in

Pakistan which is able to identify and differentiate between these viruses

of bird flu. The medicine readily available for the treatment of bird flue is

called Tomy flu which is manufactured by the Ramz field Medicine Co.

but is not sufficient and also local doctors do not know how to use it

properly.

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Looking at the very negative role played by the media, it should be

declared that only the governments regularity authority are eligible for

giving news about bird flu. Bird flu can be detected in the affected birds

through the com and wettel of birds which first become red and then

change its color to become black.

Interview # 6:

Dr. Shafique

After having the interview of Dr. Tariq Ramay we uncovered the facts which are

summarized below.

Bird flu is a viral disease known as avian influenza, which is combination

of different viruses out of which only H5N1 affect humans.

This virus exists in Pakistan in the blood of birds.

Media role is very bad in this case as there are many other diseases

which are more dangerous than bird flu but media only focus bird flu.

For the safety of bird we should properly give medicine to the bird and

provide them clean environment and for the safety human beings we must

buy healthy birds from the shops. Bird flu has bad effect on poultry

industry and it has reached to its critical point and if this situation remained

for further three to four months the industry will totally crash because the

middle man in this industry who is the backbone of the industry, connect

the poultry item provider and farmer is starting to leave this industry which

is really dangerous.

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Findings

After taking all these interviews we came across with the followings findings:

Bird flu is a viral disease caused by avian influenza virus H5N1.

The existence of bird flu in Pakistan is confirmed as per the latest reports.

All viruses are not fatal to human beings except for H5N1 variant which

can be dangerous if transferred into humans.

However it can be prevented from spreading by improving hygienic

conditions in poultry farms and by giving proper training to the farmers.

Laboratories equipped with latest technology should be established in

Pakistan in order for research and development purposes in poultry

industry.

Lack of availability of medicines in a big hurdle in controlling such viral

diseases.

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Conclusion and Recommendations:

Bird Flu in Pakistan:

A Report observes, "The animals seemed weak and some of them were

showing respiratory distress. He decided to have a clinical examination that

revealed high fever (42C). Consequently, treatment with antibiotics and other

medicines were started but nothing seemed to work and many of cats died in a

few days. Postmortem examination revealed severe pulmonary lesions."

A similar news items appeared in the daily Dawn on September 28 indicating

outbreak of bird flu in Thailand affecting humans. This was the first full case of

probable human-to-human transmission raising concerns about a potential global

flu pandemic, the virus being reported as H5N1. However, this human-to-human

transmission poses a greater threat as the spread is very easy and quite rapid. In

fact, it can lead to a global pandemic. Immediately after this incident, the Thai

government declared a month-long war against bird flu during October.Another news item on July 28 indicates that Pakistan's poultry industry is facing

problems because of false reports about bird flu. Similar reports caused a loss of

over Rs10 billion to the industry early this year.

Experts estimated that the bird flu outbreak would cost the Asia Pacific region

around US $500 million. However, as the industry continues to be affected by fur-

ther outbreaks, the cost appears to be rising all the time (World Poultry, no. 9,

vol. 20, 2004).

In fact, news reports continue to appear in various dailies indicating that Avian

Flu cases are once again being observed in south-east Asian countries like

Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Thailand and.

Vietnam (table I). WHO (World Health Organization) describes the virus types as

H5 N1, quite different from Avian Influenza Virus (AIV) types like H7N7, H9N2

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and H7N3 isolated from Avian Influenza (AI) outbreaks, recorded in Pakistan.

Rumours about Avian Flu (H5 N1) in Pakistani poultry flocks led to a slump in the

poultry business.

In the aftermath of Al epidemic (due to H7 and H9 AIV types), millions of birds

were destroyed (breeders, broilers, layers etc), causing the price of chicken meat

increase manifold. A significant proportion of breeder flock died or was culled in

view of the so called feared public health hazard as of H5 N1, which until writing

of this article has not been isolated in Pakistan. Presently, epidemiological

investigations on various Al viruses in poultry flocks are underway at the

University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore.

During the recent months news about outbreaks of Avian Flu in various

countries (table I) has the attention of veterinarians and public health workers.

Rumours about the spread of Avian Influenza (H5N1) spread like wildfire in

Pakistan. Before one proceeds any further, let us consider some basic facts

about Avian Flu (HM).

Barrier crossed:

The reported cases of Avian Flu (H5N1 infection) in east Asian countries could

be the continuation of previous outbreaks reported few months back. However,two research investigations published in leading scientific journals indicate that AI

virus is becoming increasingly pathogenic and widespread in birds. The virus, in

several Asian countries, has already crossed the species barrier by moving from

infected chickens or ducks to human beings. A report published in Nature

suggests that control of the virus may be more difficult now than it was in earlier

cases.

Recent developments suggest that the virus is much more widespread than

previous cases and is isolated from wild birds. Thus, it may be more difficult to

eliminate it from the contaminated environment.

Pathobiology of viruses:

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Al is a single-strand RNA virus, which has 8-segmented genome. The virus

contains two surface glycoproteins known as haemagglutinin (H) and

neuraminidase (N), which help in identification. A total of 15 H subtypes (1-15)

and 9 N subtypes (1 - 9) have been observed and can together result in

combination and emergence of new types.

Survival and Spread of Virus:

AI virus can survive, at cold temperatures, in contaminated manure for at least

three months and in water, for up to four days at 72F and over 30 days at 32F.

Observations regarding influenza A virus (which is pathogenic) indicate that a

single gram of contaminated manure can contain enough viruses to infect up to

one million birds. However, AI virus is killed in three hours at 56C, and in 30

minutes at 60C.

Contaminated farm animal manure containing AI virus can contaminate farm

dust and soil, leading to infection. The focal points of virus spread include the

following:

Contaminated farm equipment, feed or shoes can help the spreading of

virus from one farm to another.

Live bird markets also serve as points for virus spread from infected touninfected chickens.

Migratory waterfowls are natural reservoirs of flu viruses and can carry it

to far off poultry-raising areas.

Rodents and scavenger animals along with animal feed can also serve as

carriers.

Sub-standard vaccines spread infection instead of providing immunity.

Imported frozen chicken or duck meat.

Eggs from infected poultry.

The history of Al in Pakistan can be traced back to 1994 when a serious

outbreak was reported in broiler and breeder flocks resulting in the loss of

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millions of chickens. AIV H7N3 type was isolated from moribund and dead

chickens and an inactivated vaccine proved quite successful in controlling it.

Another, low-intensity outbreak of AIV H9N2 occurred in poultry, particularly in

Karachi and adjoining areas. This strain was also purified and controlled through

inactivated vaccines.

A report made by the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) confirmed

that virus types contributing to these outbreaks were H7N7 and H9N2.

FAO and Office International des Epizootics (OIE) reported the presence of

H7N3 type in Pakistan. It is pertinent to report here that not a single case of

HSN1 type infection has been reported from any of the 20,000 poultry farms of

the country.

However, since the virus has a mutagenic nature and there is possibility of a lot

of antigenic shift and drift in its types, it is suggested that occurrence of various

serotypes in flocks should be continuously monitored.

Strategies:

Restrictions on import of live birds - a strict ban on import of live, at risk birds

and on all poultry products be imposed.

Duties of farm workers and poultry handlers - immediate isolation and culling ofinfected and in-contact chickens is important for prevention. Culling must be

carried out to eliminate chances of human exposure and infection of nearby

flocks.

The following management practices are of immense importance in AIVBF

control:

All persons in close contact with infected birds and materials must wear

gloves and wash their hands with disinfectant solutions after completing

their farm duties.

All workers involved in culling, transport, or disposal of Al infected poultry

should be provided with appropriate protective equipment. They must

wear disposable goggles, gloves (that can be disinfected or disposed),

caps, mask, uniforms and proper washables shoes during work.

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Using gloves and gowns before visiting patients.

Food handlers:

Good hygiene practices during handling raw poultry meat and recommended

cooking practices for poultry products can lower potential risk to insignificant lev-

els. Eggs can also be contaminated with the virus, so care should be taken in

handling shell eggs or raw egg products.

While freezing and refrigeration will not reduce concentration or virulence of

contaminated meat, proper cooking kills the virus. Chicken should be cooked to

reach an internal temperature of 180F. Employers should continuously

emphasize the importance of good hygienic practices during handling including,

hand washing, prevention of cross-contamination and thorough cooking of

poultry products.

Recommendations:

A regional Avian Influenza coordination group consisting of experts from

AIV hit and nearby countries be formed for development of international

AIV control strategies.

Early and regular disease and epidemiological information notification be

brought in the notice of OIE.

Mechanisms for systematic collection and epidemiologic analysis of all

animal disease outbreak data, and comprehensive molecular analysis of

field virus strains, must be adapted as a regular feature.

Capacity of national animal and public health services for ATV

surveillance, and control and prevention activities should be strengthened.

Epidemiology:

A regional epidemiologic study must be conducted to assist in decision-making

and planning for the region. Also resources should be made available to conduct

an epidemiologic assessment by international and local experts to develop a

descriptive epidemiologic analysis of the outbreak. Molecular analysis of isolates

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should be conducted in collaboration with OIE, FAO and Who reference

laboratories to complement the analysis.

Strategic vaccination:

Vaccination has emerged as a valuable tool in the control and elimination of AI.

However, vaccines alone are unlikely to lead to a successful eradication.

Coupled with stamping out and adequate surveillance will most likely lead to

eradication in a short period. Strategic vaccination in birds, if accompanied by

appropriate surveillance will reduce the amount of virus excreted and lead to

decreased viral exposure for susceptible poultry population and human beings.

Vaccines must be produced in accordance with OlE guidelines., which state that

a country may be considered free from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)

based on the absence of virus irrespective of whether vaccination has been

carried out. Therefore, the use of vaccines does not imply automatic loss of

export markets.

Any vaccination strategy however, should be developed in consultation with all

stakeholders. The types of poultry and production sectors to be vaccinated must

be determined and documented. Infected poultry and those in contact with the

virus should not be vaccinated. Vaccination should be carried out under thesupervision of a qualified veterinary officer.

Stamping out for infected poultry:

Infected and susceptible birds be euthanized and disposed off possible as

soon as possible.

Regular inspection and observation of the diseased population be carried

out.

Premises be prioritized so that those with high potential for active spread

of the agent are acted on before those that do not have a high potential for

active spread.

Depopulation accompanied with adequate and timely compensation

payment to owners of animals and materials.

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Contaminated materials, including animal carcasses, should be properly

disposed of within 24 hours of the destruction of susceptible animals.

All premises should be cleaned and disinfected.

Biosecurity procedures should be implemented within 24 hours of

identification.

Wildlife management:

Massive killing of birds may lead to famine since wild birds control crop pests.

For this reason, wild birds should not be depopulated in an attempt to control AI

but as much separation as possible should be attempted. Also, contact between

wild birds and large commercial poultry operations should be reduced.In fact, village poultry health care programmes, including possible vaccination

progammes and health and husbandry education is the best approach to (1)

provide entree for surveillance operations; (2) reduce disease incidence, (3)

improve rural livelihoods; and (4) reduce the threat or introduction of diseases

into wild bird populations.

Trafficking of wild birds and separating domestic and wild animals in live

markets should also be attempted. Efforts should be made to invest in raising

awareness and capacity-building to allow more countries to begin integrating

health monitoring programmes as they develop natural resource management

efforts.

Human health recommendations:

Preventing infection in individuals at higher risk of exposure (veterinarians,

cullers, laboratory workers, health care workers, etc) should involve

provision of personnel protective equipment (PPE), vaccines and antiviral

drugs, training, technical guidance and advisories.

Public awareness programmes should focus on health hazards of

handling infected or diseased birds, contaminated equipment and material

(egg crates, cartons, bird cages, etc).

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Accepted tools and procedures used for the control of the disease in

animals should also decrease the risk of exposure of the infection in the

human population at large. As new tools become available, these should

be assessed to ensure they do not pose human health risks.

There is no risk to human health from consumption of wholesome and

properly cooked, or processed products, including eggs. Hygienic

practices should always be applied in food preparation.

Diseased poultry which has been culled, should never enter the human or

animal food chain, and must be properly disposed off.

Samples of animal origin should be sent to national reference veterinary

laboratories for preliminary or primary diagnosis. Veterinary laboratories

should conduct diagnostic procedures according to the OlE manual of

Standards for Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines.

It follows that extensive epidemiological work is needed to study the

pathobiology of influenza viruses throughout Pakistan, including disease

incidence and distribution, sources and spread of the virus, its natural and exper-

imental hosts, viral transmission and carriers, incubation period, clinical signs,

gross and microscopic pathology and pathogenesis of infectious process.

Efficient and economical diagnostic tests need to be developed for viral

exposures that have been detected early. A well-coordinated effort is needed to

contain and control this highly infectious disease in Pakistani poultry.

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References

Personals:

Dr. Shahzad Sarwar 0334- 6001243Dr. Safdar bhatti 0334- 6001251Dr. Muhammad Aslam 0334- 6001240Dr. Allah Nawaz 0334- 6001242Dr. Tariq Ramay 0334- 6001244Dr. Shafique 0300- 6387768

Websites:

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/

http://www.onlinenews.com.pk/

http://www.infopak.gov.pk/

http://www.dev.directionsmag.com/

http://www.nwfp.gov.pk/

http://news.bbc.co.uk/

http://www.dawn.com/

World Poultry BRM

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