The range of low-cost methods available to the small producer for dispatching small numbers of poultry is limited. None of the commonly used methods is satisfactory as there are doubts that they fully protect the welfare of the bird. There are humane methods available but they involve some initial capital outlay. Probably the most common method is 'neck pulling' (cervical dislocation). If carri...

From February through April 2007, avian influenza (H5N1) was confirmed in poultry in 4 of 34 Afghan provinces. A survey conducted in 2 affected and 3 unaffected provinces found that greater knowledge about reducing exposure was associated with higher socioeconomic status, residence in affected provinces, and not owning backyard poultry.

Since 1997, the largest epidemic of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) ever recorded has caused 172 human and several billion bird deaths. Recently administered questionnaires determined that live poultry exposures have declined by approximately 63% in Hong Kong since 2004 and that, in Vietnam, domestic backyard exposures to poultry are likely more important than retail exposures.

To determine potential risk for bird-to-human transmission during influenza A virus (H5N1) outbreaks among backyard poultry in rural Cambodia, we collected environmental specimens. Viral RNA was detected in 27 (35%) of 77 specimens of mud, pond water, water plants, and soil swabs. Our results underscore the need for regular disinfection of poultry areas.

Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) is economically important pathogen of poultry causes airsacculitis and frequently infraorbital sinusitis in turkeys. Infections may remain without clinical signs, but they can make birds susceptible to secondary infections. This study was carried out for molecular detection and phylogenetic analysis of MG infections in commercial and backyard turkey flocks in some ...

Present study was conducted to evaluate the quality traits of poultry eggs collected from various sources i.e. market, commercial farm and backyard farming, in Karachi. A total of 250 eggs were analyzed for external and internal qualities. A significant difference (p <0.05) was recorded in quality parameters except percent shell, shell thickness, egg width, egg weight, shape index and Haugh uni...

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), subtype H5N1, was first officially reported in Indonesia in 2004. Since then the disease has spread and is now endemic in large parts of the country. This study investigated the statistical relationship between a set of risk factors and the presence or absence of HPAI in Indonesia during 2006 and 2007. HPAI was evaluated through participatory disease su...

This chapter provides brief descriptions of diseases that 1) more commonly are found in small, backyard poultry flocks, or 2) are more significant economically or personally when they do occur. Further reading on these and many other diseases is recommended. All Poultry Types. Two important diseases shared by chickens, turkeys, guinea fowl, partridges, pheasants, quail, and domestic waterfowl (...

There is considerable global concern over the newly emergent H5N1 strain of avian influenza that has affected millions of domestic poultry flocks and resulted in 256 human cases and 152 deaths in humans. There has been little analysis of the general assumption that smallholder backyard poultry flocks are inherently at higher risk of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) than confined and com...