Tanzania National Plan (January 2007)[1].pdf - Avian Influenza and ...

Tanzania Avian Influenza National Emergency Preparedness & Response Plan
In broilers, the signs of disease are frequently less obvious with severe depression, in
appetence, and a marked increase in mortality being the first abnormalities observed.
Swelling of the face and neck and neurological signs such as torticollis and ataxia may
also be seen.
The disease in turkeys is similar to that seen in layers, but it lasts 2 or 3 days longer
and is occasionally accompanied by swollen sinuses. In domestic ducks and geese
the signs of depression, in appetence, and diarrhea are similar to those in layers,
though frequently with swollen sinuses. Younger birds may exhibit neurological signs.
Birds that die of peracute disease may show minimal gross lesions, consisting of
dehydration and congestion of viscera and muscles.
In birds that die after a prolonged clinical course, petechial and ecchymotic
haemorrhages occur throughout the body, particularly in the larynx, trachea,
proventriculus and epicardial fat, and on serosal surfaces adjacent to the sternum.
There is extensive subcutaneous oedema, particularly around the head and hocks.
The carcass may be dehydrated. Yellow or grey necrotic foci may be present in the
spleen, liver, kidneys and lungs. The air sac may contain exudates. The spleen may
be enlarged and haemorrhagic.
2.5. Avian influenza in humans
The first case H5N1 virus to of spread from a bird to a human was seen during an
outbreak of bird flu in poultry in Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region in 1997.
The virus caused severe respiratory illness in 18 people, 6 of whom died. Since that
time, there have been other cases of H5N1 infection among humans. Recent human
cases of H5N1 infection that have occurred in Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam have
coincided with large H5N1 outbreaks in poultry. The World Health Organization
(WHO) also has reported human cases in Indonesia. Most of these cases have
occurred from contact with infected poultry or contaminated surfaces. However, the
spread of avian influenza viruses from one ill person to another has been reported
very rarely, and transmission has not been observed to continue beyond one person.
Symptoms of bird flu in humans although not pathognomonic have ranged from typical
flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat and muscle aches) to eye infections,
pneumonia, severe respiratory diseases (such as acute respiratory distress), and
other severe and life-threatening complications. The symptoms of bird flu may depend
on which virus caused the infection.
Treatments for H5N1 influenza has been attempted using oseltamavir and zanamavir.
H5N1 infections have been found to be resistant to two other antiviral medications
namely amantadine and rimantadine that are commonly used for influenza treatment.
There is currently no commercially available vaccine to protect humans against the
H5N1 virus that is being seen in Asia and Europe. However, vaccine development
efforts are taking place. Research studies to test a vaccine to protect humans against
H5N1 virus are continuing.
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