Raising chickens has its share of sacrifices and benefits. Usually what the owner visualizes is the benefit beyond the sacrifices and problems. That should be fine provided you can handle whatever situations may occur. In cases like bird flu, the only exit is effective handling of your poultry and making a point that the place is spiffy clean.
Poultry farm owners occasionally underestimate cleanliness. But at times, the more people tend to underestimate matters, the more it turns into a serious matter. When its severity had come to its boiling point, it will be too late to cool it down.
There are two origins of bird flu (called Avian Influenza) - cold weather and filthy places. Avoid the spread of the disease even before it even develops at your very own backyard. Once you know the cause, it would be easier on your part to name the different measures you have to make to prevent the disease from spreading out. It is always more convenient and less expensive than waiting for the outburst of the virus.
No one can change the weather. That is a fact. But you can adapt to it. Allow your chickens adapt to the environment. Do this by giving nourishing food and immunization. Vitamins are also a huge advantage for your chicken’s wellbeing.
Cleaning is common sense. You have to ensure that the surroundings inside and outside their pen is impeccable. Pads must be substituted with new ones. Haystacks full of chicken poop must also be replaced. Make sure to use protective wears like rubber boots, gloves, and facemasks that fit correctly. In this manner, if the poultry is already contaminated with the virus, you'd have your first defense against it.
When all else fails and the disease is already fanning out, you have to protect yourself from it. With or without the disease, you must follow these safety precautions. Just in case.
Hand washing is the general precautionary measure to do. After being in contact with your poultry readily wash your hands with soap and clean water. Go along the routine of eating a healthy diet, vaccinations, and get a flu shot. Exercise should not be compromised.
When you have detected that your chickens are manifesting some of the symptoms, an antiviral should be treated to decrease the severity and symptoms.
Practice food safety tips like eating a well-cooked chicken. After use, disinfect your cutting board using chlorine bleach, at least four to five teaspoons for each one-gallon of water.
These are a few of the measures to avoid the spread of the disease. Otherwise your chicken raising days are done.