Clinical Signs of Avian Flu

Diagnosis of avian flu can somewhat be determined on the basis of clinical signs, however this could be misleading as clinical signs of avian flu is similar to other avian diseases.  To specifically confirm the presence of avian flu, laboratory tests must be performed to verify the presence of the actual flu virus.   

Some clinical signs associated with Avian flu is listed:

• Lack of energy, lethargy                                                                             
• Loss of appetite                                                                                             
• Quietness and extreme depression                                                 
• Sudden drop in production of eggs
• Unhealthy eggs - soft-shelled or shell-less
• Wattles and combs become discolored, swollen and congested
• Swelling of the skin under the eyes
• Purple discoloration of wattles, combs, and legs
• Coughing, sneezing – nasal discharge
• Nervous problems – in-coordination
• Diarrhea
• Edema (swelling) and congestion of the combs
• Hemorrhages on the hock
• Sudden death without clinical signs
• Mass mortalities - a few deaths may occur over several days, but an outbreak may follow, killing hundreds or thousands of birds each day.