Avian influenza

Due to the zoonotic potential of Avian influenza, the objective pursued by the Sanitary Authorities is that the domestic flocks are negative to the infection by influenza viruses, although the viruses keep their enzootic cycle in nature.

To achieve this objective, disease control is based on stocking poultry farms with negative animals and implementing strict biosecurity measures to avoid entry and spread of the virus. In the same way, there are specific epidemiological surveillance programmes and contingency plans that constitute the basis of the overall sanitary policy against the disease. Their objectives are the early detection of outbreaks, the immediate immobilization and emergency slaughter of affected animals, and the prohibition of marketing those animals and their products. Finally, the programmes include specific measures to guarantee the flow of information between the different health authorities within the country and between countries at risk.

Have your say

Avian flu has expanded a lot during recent years. Watch the OIE update on the outbreaks by these viruses in different countries. Compare your observations with that of other learners. Maybe some of you can analyze different years to have a wider picture.