What happens if my chickens get bird flu?

Clinical symptoms The main symptoms of HPAI in poultry are depression, loss of appetite, cessation of egg laying, nervous signs, swelling and blue discoloration of combs and wattles due to disturbance of blood circulation, coughing, sneezing and diarrhoea. Sudden death can occur without any previous signs.

Is bird flu safe for chickens?

Is it safe to eat poultry and poultry products? Poultry and poultry products can be prepared and consumed as usual, with no fear of acquiring infection with the avian flu virus. One should continue to follow good hygienic and cooking practices. The virus is destroyed at a temperature of 70o C for 30 minutes.

How do I protect my chickens from bird flu?

However, bird flu can be prevented by avoiding contact with sick poultry originating in countries known to be affected by the virus. Prevention also includes poultry-safety measures such as destroying flocks when sick birds are identified and vaccinating healthy flocks.

How long do I have to keep my chickens in because of bird flu?

Under EU law, free-range laying hens can be kept indoors for up to 16 weeks but their eggs still be labelled free-range. Meat birds can keep their free-range status so long as they have spent at least half their lives with either access to outside areas or housed during the fixed 12-week grace period.

Can humans catch bird flu from chickens?

You can’t catch bird flu through eating fully cooked poultry or eggs, even in areas with an outbreak of bird flu.

Do eggs carry bird flu?

Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus can be found inside and on the surface of eggs laid by infected birds. Although sick birds will normally stop producing eggs, eggs laid in the early phase of the disease could contain viruses in the egg-white and yolk as well as on the surface of the shell.

Should we eat eggs during bird flu?

The regulator also said the World Health Organization has stated it is safe to eat poultry meat and eggs and that there is no epidemiological data to suggest the disease can be transmitted to humans through cooked food.

How do you know if your chickens have bird flu?

Bird Flu Symptoms in Chickens

1. Edema in the comb and wattles.
2. Purple discoloration / cyanosis of the wattles, combs, and legs.
3. Diarrhea.
4. Nasal discharge.
5. Soft-shelled or misshapen eggs.
6. Decreased egg production.
7. Coughing and sneezing.
8. Lack of coordination.

When will the chicken lockdown end?

Avian flu poultry ‘lockdown’ ends on March 31. COMPULSORY housing measures for poultry and captive birds are being lifted today, March 31, the chief veterinary officers from England, Scotland and Wales have announced.

How did bird flu spread?

The disease is transmitted to humans through contact with infected bird feces, nasal secretions, or secretions from the mouth or eyes. Consuming properly cooked poultry or eggs from infected birds doesn’t transmit the bird flu, but eggs should never be served runny.

Can bird flu spread through boiled eggs?