Overview of Avian Influenza Control Strategies and prevention

Avian influenza represents one of the greatest concerns for public health that has emerged from the animal reservoir in recent times. It has been calculated that the impact of Avian influenza on the poultry industry has increased. In fact, from the late 1990s, Avian influenza infections have assumed a completely different profile both in the veterinary and medical scientific communities. The scientific veterinary community has a key role in planning the control and eradication of highly pathogenic avian influenza, the adequate management of the outbreaks and ultimately in the outcome of the efforts that are being made to combat this global threat. The primary introduction of Avian influenza viruses in domestic poultry occurs either through direct or indirect contact with infected birds. This may occur through movement of infected poultry, movement of contaminated equipment, fomites or vehicles and penetration of contaminated infectious organic material into the holding. There is no one control strategy for avian influenza to fit every country and all bird species. The strategies developed and used have depended on a variety of factors including presence or absence of Avian influenza virus in the country, pathogenicity of the virus, the hemagglutinin subtype of the Avian influenza virus , species of birds at risk or infected , the type of ecosystem, veterinary medical infrastructure, political will and authority, and desired goal or outcome.One critical aspect in control is the education of all poultry and allied industry personnel, government personnel, and others involved in the control process regarding how Avian influenza viruses are introduced, how they are spread, and how such events can be prevented. Early and successful control of Avian influenza requires an accurate and rapid diagnosis. The speed with which Avian influenza is controlled and the cost for such control are greatly dependent on how fast the first case or cases are diagnosed, the level of biosecurity practiced in the area, and how quickly control strategies can be implemented, especially if eradication is the goal.There are three different goals or outcomes in the control of Avian influenza: (1) prevention, (2) management, and (3) eradication. Which goal to pursue greatly depends on the infection status of the country, zone, or compartment. There are no one control strategy to fit all types of Avian influenza for every country and in all bird species. Each control strategy must be tailored to the Avian influenza virus and the local situation and needs. Vaccination has been shown to be a powerful tool to support eradication programmes if used in conjunction with other control methods. Vaccination has been shown to increase resistance to field challenge, reduce shedding levels in vaccinated birds and reduce transmission dynamics. Both these occurrences contribute to controlling Avian influenza. However, previous experiences have indicated that, in order to be successful in controlling and ultimately in eradicating the infection, vaccination programmes must be part of a wider control strategy, which includes monitoring the evolution of infection and biosecurity. Inadequate biosecurity or vaccination practices can lead to transmission between flocks and selection of variants that exhibit antigenic drift. Public communications information strategy is considered one of the basic measures to minimize the socioeconomic impact and to limit widespread transmission of the virus. Immediately after emergence of the disease, extensive awareness programmes targeting various high-risk groups and stakeholders were implemented to deal with panic reactions, and regulate and enforce the laws. If the virus is not widespread, and it is not endemic in local poultry and wild birds, then culling is likely to be a successful strategy. objectives and activities for the prevention and control of infectious animal diseases include: Transparency in animal disease status worldwide, Collection, analysis, and dissemination of veterinary information, Strengthening of international coordination and cooperation in the control of animal diseases and Promotion of the safety of world trade in animals and animal products.