Avian Influenza (AI) remains one of the most serious threats to the global poultry industry, with major implications for animal health, biosecurity, and trade.
🦠AI basics:
Influenza A viruses are classified by H (H1–H16) and N (N1–N9) surface proteins. Genetic change occurs via mutation (drift) and genetic exchange (shift).
⚠️Why it matters:
H5 and H7 subtypes can cause highly pathogenic outbreaks with up to 100 % mortality within days.
🧪Detection & control:
✔Real-time PCR enables rapid diagnosis.
✔Early reporting and strict biosecurity are critical.
✔Stamping-out and zoning / regionalisation remain key control measures to ensure international trade. Compartmentalisation is an addition tool but difficult to achieve.
✔Discussions about vaccination and availabilities of vaccines are increasing.
However, we have to keep in mind that with current vaccine technologies sterile immunity could never be guaranteed in the field. Surveillance in both unvaccinated but even more in vaccinated populations is of major importance.
LOHMANN BREEDERS – It’s the egg. 🥚💛
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