Switzerland: Avian influenza in animals

Since the beginning of the year, several cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) have appeared on poultry farms and in wild birds in Eastern Europe and Germany. To protect Swiss poultry farming units, it is important to plan and, even better, to implement effective biosecurity measures (photo Pixabay). Avian influenza is caused by the influenza A virus of the H5 or H7 subtypes. Highly pathogenic avian influenza can be distinguished from its low pathogenic version, specifies a communication from the Office of Food Safety and Veterinary Affairs (FSVO) in October 2021. A low pathogenic avian influenza virus (LPAI) can occur. transform into highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus by mutation. HPAIs are vectors of disease for animals and humans, causing zoonosis. Pigs can also be infected with the avian influenza virus. All bird species are affected, including chickens and turkeys. HPAI infections usually produce overt signs of disease in productive poultry. Waterfowl, ...