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Health Problems of
Poultry and Game Birds compiled by Terry Smith |
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Respiratory Disease |
Symptoms |
Treatment |
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Aspergillosis (Brooder
Pneumonia) |
Chronic form - Gasping,
sleepiness, loss of appetite, emaciation, bluish and dark color of skin,
central-nerve disorders such as twisted neck. Infected birds usually die with
2 to 4 weeks. |
None. Cull infected
birds. Control the spreading of the disease by adding 1/2 teaspoon copper
sulfate to drinking waters (do not use metal containers) for 5 days.
Oxine can also be added to the
drinking water. Prevent
reinfection by cleaning facilities, disinfecting with Nystartin or 1/2
teaspoon copper sulfate per gallon of water, and replacing the litter. |
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Chronic
Respiratory Disease caused by Mycoplaspa gallisepticum |
In growing and adult
birds - coughing, sneezing, ratting, gurgling, swollen face, nasal discharge,
ruffled feathers, frothy eyes, squeaky crow, drop in egg laying, sometimes a
darkened head, loss of appetite, weight loss, yellowish droppings. Resembles
other respiratory diseases, but spreads more slowly. Lasts longer in cold
weather. |
Tylan and LS-50 will reduce the death
rate, but survivors are carriers. This is a reportable disease in most states
since Mycoplaspa
gallisepticum is
carried through hatching eggs. |
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Infectious
Bronchitis |
In all ages
of birds - gasping, coughing, sneezing, rattling, wet eyes, nasal discharge.
In young & growing birds - watery nasal discharge, huddling near heat. In
adult birds - wattles swollen sometimes. In layers - drastic reduction in egg
laying; eggs can be soft shelled, misshapen, rough or with ridge shells and
watery whites. (Egg production usually resumes in 6 to 8 weeks, but the
quality and quantity will be less.)
Starts suddenly, spreads through flock in 24 to 48 hours, birds
recover in 2 to 3 weeks. Mortality is higher in chicks especially during cold
weather. |
Add electrolyes to
drinking water, keep birds warm, well-fed, and dry; avoid crowding. To avoid
secondary bacterial infection, add Penicillinor Oxytet to the drinking water. Survivors are
permanently immune, but are carriers. Chicks can be vaccinated with strains
of bronchitis found in the specific area.
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Infectious
Coryza |
In chicks 4 weeks and
older- nasal discharge, facial swelling, one or both eyes closed. In growing
and adult birds - swollen face, eyes, and sinuses; watery eyes with eyelids
stuck together; foul-smelling discharge from nose; drop in feed and water
consumption as well as egg production; diarrhea sometimes; wheezing.
Progresses through flock varies from a few days to up to 3 months. Recovered
birds are carriers. |
Gallimycin is the best medication. If not available, use Sulmet or
Albon (Di-Methox). Sulfa drugs are not FDA approved
for pullets over 14 weeks of age. Birds can be vaccinated with Cocyza-Vac
following a multi-vaccination schedule |