Fowl Cholera
Cause - Bacteria spread by droppings of infected birds
through contaminated soil, feed or water. Vectors include wild birds and the
feet of people and animals.
Symptoms - There are two types of cholera which affect
chickens:
• Peracute or severe cholera: the only symptoms are dead
birds.
• Acute and chronic: sudden, almost total lack of
appetite; greenish - yellow diarrhea; difficulty in breathing; high fever and
increased thirst; head turns blue; enlarged, hot, swollen combs and wattles;
affected birds feel very hot; swollen eyes and thick discharges from nasal
passages similar to that found in coryza.
Treatment - A recommended bacteriacide (sulpha drugs) in
feed and water may reduce mortality in an infected flock. Remove affected birds
and change litter. Thoroughly disinfect equipment and house.
Prevention - Primarily, cleanliness. If vaccines are
recommended, it may help to administer them in accordance with the
recommendations of local authorities.
Infectious Bronchitis
Cause - Virus spread through air or via contaminated
material.
Symptoms - Chicks: sneezing, gasping, mucus, clicking
heard in throat, discharge from nostrils and eyes. Layers: egg production drops
abruptly by 10 to 50 percent, remaining production poor quality (thin shells,
misshapen, watery whites). In chicks, mortality may be 5 to 60 percent; in
mature birds, zero to two percent.
Treatment - None for the infection. Antibiotics can be
given to lessen complications.
Prevention - Following nearby outbreaks, vaccines, if
recommended by local authorities, can be used in accordance with their
recommendations and schedules.
Laryngotracheitis
through contaminated soil, feed or water. Vectors include wild birds and the
feet of people and animals.
Symptoms - There are two types of cholera which affect
chickens:
• Peracute or severe cholera: the only symptoms are dead
birds.
• Acute and chronic: sudden, almost total lack of
appetite; greenish - yellow diarrhea; difficulty in breathing; high fever and
increased thirst; head turns blue; enlarged, hot, swollen combs and wattles;
affected birds feel very hot; swollen eyes and thick discharges from nasal
passages similar to that found in coryza.
Treatment - A recommended bacteriacide (sulpha drugs) in
feed and water may reduce mortality in an infected flock. Remove affected birds
and change litter. Thoroughly disinfect equipment and house.
Prevention - Primarily, cleanliness. If vaccines are
recommended, it may help to administer them in accordance with the
recommendations of local authorities.
Infectious Bronchitis
Cause - Virus spread through air or via contaminated
material.
Symptoms - Chicks: sneezing, gasping, mucus, clicking
heard in throat, discharge from nostrils and eyes. Layers: egg production drops
abruptly by 10 to 50 percent, remaining production poor quality (thin shells,
misshapen, watery whites). In chicks, mortality may be 5 to 60 percent; in
mature birds, zero to two percent.
Treatment - None for the infection. Antibiotics can be
given to lessen complications.
Prevention - Following nearby outbreaks, vaccines, if
recommended by local authorities, can be used in accordance with their
recommendations and schedules.
Laryngotracheitis