Avian Influenza and Raising Quail.
What is Avian Influenza (AI)?
Avian Influenza is more commonly referred to as the bird flu. It is a rapidly spreading viral disease that mainly infects birds. Migratory birds, waterfowl, and shore birds are natural carriers. Avian Influenza affects chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, ducks, geese, and guinea fowl.
Why should I care about AI? AI has generated a great deal of international attention. Disease experts say human cases are rare. Individuals who are in direct contact with infected birds or their droppings are most susceptible to the disease in the human form.
Testing for AI will help identify if the disease is present and will allow an immediate response which will help minimize the human health and economic threats.
What are the signs of Avian Influenza in birds?
- Decrease in egg production.
- Soft-shelled or misshapen eggs.
- Swelling of the head, eyelids, comb, and wattles.
- Purple discoloration of the wattles, combs,and legs.
- Respiratory signs: coughing, sneezing, respiratory distress.
- Unstable coordination.
- Sudden death.
The benefits of testing for Avian Influenza?
- PROTECTS POULTRY INDUSTRY
- PROTECTS PUBLIC HEALTH
- NO COST TO PRODUCERS
- GAIN MARKETING EDGE WITH AI MONITORED STATUS
What animals should be tested?
TURKEYS, QUAIL, DUCKS, CHICKENS, PHEASANTS, GUINEAS and GEESE.
All this information has been provided by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture
www.agr.ne.gov
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To find out more about raising quail visit:
How to Raise Quail.com
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