Scottish wild bird highly pathogenic avian influenza response plan

Annex B

Clinical Signs

The main clinical signs of HPAI in birds can include any, or a combination of the following symptoms:

• swollen head
• closed and excessively watery eyes
• lethargy and depression
• recumbency and unresponsiveness
• incoordination and loss of balance
• head and body tremoring
• drooping of the wings or dragging of legs
• twisting of the head and neck
• swelling and blue discolouration of combs and wattles
• haemorrhages on shanks of the legs and under the skin of the neck
• loss of appetite or marked decrease in feed consumption
• sudden increase or decrease in water consumption
• respiratory distress such as gaping (mouth breathing), nasal snicking (coughing sound), sneezing, gurgling, or rattling
• fever or noticeable increase in body temperature
• discoloured or loose watery droppings
• cessation or marked reduction in egg production or viability of eggs

Clinical signs can vary between species of birds, with some birds showing minimal clinical signs. However, the presence of HPAI can only be confirmed through laboratory tests.

Diagnosis

The presence of HPAI in wild birds is confirmed by laboratory tests which are undertaken at the National Reference Laboratory (NRL) for Avian Influenza, located at the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) in Weybridge. [Notifiable Avian Disease Control Strategy.]