AVIAN INFLUENZA AND ITS MASS DEPOPULATION STRATEGIES IN INFECTED POULTRY BIRDS

Abstract

Avian influenza (AI) is a highly contagious and zoonotic viral disease that affects several animal species. It causes heavy economic losses in the domestic poultry. A quick response is always desired in the event of any disease outbreak. The principal approach to control a contagious disease involves the killing of diseased animals along with the bio containment of infectious agent. Mass depopulation of the infected birds plays an important role in the eradication of the disease. The possible strategies for mass depopulation include maceration, electrocution, cervical dislocation, gassing and foaming. All of these procedures are much intensive and time consuming because it involves a lot of man power, biosecurity risks, applicability for all house types and suitability for large-scale emergency implementation. The basic objectives of these strategies include (1) To reduce pain and suffering to the birds, (2) To minimize disease spread and (3) To ensure of protection to human operators from potential biohazards. A suitable depopulation technique can only be suggested keeping in view the species and type of bird involved, and differences in husbandry practices like management, housing and stocking density. Mass depopulation is an important tool to control the spread of any disease but the selection of procedure depends upon the prevailing circumstances. In this paper, various mass depopulation strategies and their selection in different conditions is reviewed and discussed.