Switzerland: Avian influenza in animals

Published Nov 1, 2021

Tridge summary

Since the beginning of the year, there have been outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Eastern Europe and Germany, leading to concerns in Switzerland. The Office of Food Safety and Veterinary Affairs (FSVO) has highlighted the need for biosecurity measures to protect Swiss poultry. HPAI can cause symptoms like breathing difficulties, reduced laying performance, and high mortality in productive birds, while waterfowl may carry the virus without showing symptoms. LPAI infections can mutate into HPAI and spread through inhalation of contaminated droplets or dust. No cases of HPAI in productive poultry in Switzerland since the 1930s. The FSVO prohibits the importation of poultry and poultry products from countries with HPAI, and regulates free-range breeding operations. The disease can also affect humans, causing symptoms similar to the flu.

Disclaimer:The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

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, ...

Source: Agrihebdo