₦airaland Forum

Hi all,
This platform was created to answer and share knowledge on all questions regarding poultry diseases and their treatment. Also on a regular basis, common poultry diseases and their treatment will be discussed in order to further enlighten our poultry farmers. Feel free to comment and share your suggestions!!!

GUMBORO (INFECTIOUS BURSAL DISEASE)

Gumboro Disease, also known as Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD), is one of the most "wicked disease" that can affect chickens. This disease has given so many farmers hypertension as they watch their whole investment vanish like smoke right in front of their eyes!!! Gumboro is caused by a virus and it affects mostly young birds usually between the ages of 3 weeks to 6 weeks. This disease is usually transmitted via ingestion of contaminated water, feed, faeces and litter

SYMPTOMS
Loss of appetite
Weakness
Dullness
Rough feathers
Diarrhea may be white/yellowish white
Sudden death

NOTE: If you suspect Gumboro, open up the dead chicken, if you see blood like stains on the thigh/chest muscle or you see blood patches inside the stomach close to gizzard, then you are likely dealing with Gumboro.

MANAGEMENT
Gumboro has no cure and it is usually 50/50 once there is an outbreak. Hence our focus will be on prevention although palliative treatment will also be discussed

PREVENTION
Routine vaccination using original branded vaccines under the supervision of an expert

Proper farm hygiene and regular cleaning of the litter with strong disinfectant/Formalin/Bleach

High level of farm biosecurity

TREATMENT
Immediate isolation of suspected birds from the seemingly healthy birds

The farm should be depopulated, and thoroughly decontaminated alongside its tools and equipment with a very strong disinfectant and then allowed to dry before being reintroduced to the farm

Administer broad spectrum antibiotics like tetracycline based antibiotics examples Doxygen, Neoceryl® etc or Ofloxacin to treat secondary bacterial infection alongside multivitamins to boost their immune system. You can specifically add Vitamin C to boost recovery and immune system

Antiviral drugs like Virucine® can also be administered but its effectiveness is debatable

Traditionally, Aloe vera has been reported to be effective but its palatability is an issue.

NOTE: DURING OUTBREAK OF GUMBORO DISEASE NEVER ATTEMPT TO ADMINISTER GUMBORO VACCINE. A VACCINE IS NOT A DRUG FOR TREATMENT, RATHER IT IS FOR PREVENTION

NB: Some pictures are for illustration

CHRONIC RESPIRATORY DISEASE (CRD)
CRD is a silent and slow killer disease that affects poultry birds which in most cases the farmer gets to know the seriousness of this disease when it is too late. CRD is caused by bacteria and affects birds of all ages although chickens between the ages of week 3-6 are the most affected. This disease is aggravated by stress and is transmitted by inhaling the bacteria in the air, or direct contact with infected chickens, contaminated water/feed or directly from hatchery. This bacteria can exist for 3 days in faeces and 5 days in contaminated equipment.

SYMPTOMS
Croaking (frog) sound
Difficult breathing
Sneezing
Eye/Nasal discharge
Swollen face
Closed eyes
Loss of appetite
Slow growth rate
Decreased egg production
In some cases in chicken and turkey, they may not be able to stand with their joint swollen.
NB: If you suspect your chicken died of CRD, you can open up the carcass and check the wind pipe (throat), if it is reddish (see picture) and the lungs too are reddish(see picture), you may be dealing with CRD. In some cases, there may be presence of a yellowish fatty and whitish substance when you open the chicken (see picture) as seen in E-COLI Infection, this may also point to CRD.

TREATMENT
Isolate suspected birds and treat all birds with Tylosin based antibiotics like Tylodox® GentTylo® etc. Usually at 1gram per 4 liters for 5/7 days or according to the manufacturer's instruction. Enrofloxacin has also been proven to be effective in treating CRD

Administer broad spectrum antibiotics like Amoxicol® Colimoxil® Doxygen® etc. This is important because it has been shown that CRD and E-COLI infection go side by side hence E-COLI will need to be treated also. However a strong branded Tylosin based antibiotics like Tylodox Plus® may suffice for both CRD and E-COLI.

Administer multivitamins and Vitamin C. This will boost the immune system and improve recovery

Menthol ointment like Mintocare®, Methoxine® etc can also be added to their water. This is to clear their throat and reduce the froggy sound

Traditionally, soaked ginger, garlic and scent leaf, bitter kola have been reported to be effective

PREVENTION
Ensure where you are buying your birds are CRD free
The pens should be well ventilated and regularly disinfected alongside poultry equipment
Avoid stressful conditions like extreme cold or heat and avoid overcrowding of the pen
Ensure regular changing of the litter to avoid ammonia buildup
Ensure strict biosecurity on your farm
(Some pictures are for illustration)

NEWCASTLE DISEASE
Newcastle disease is another "wicked disease" that has discouraged many prospective poultry farmers from venturing into poultry business. This disease has also made many poultry farmers quit the poultry business as the farmer can loose all their investment in a twinkle of an eye. Newcastle Disease is a highly contagious viral disease that affects both domestic chickens & wild birds and can lead to 100% mortality especially in young birds. Fortunately however, this disease is very preventable and if appropriate guidelines are followed, one can effectively prevent this disease.

SYMPTOMS
Sudden death
Weakness
Difficulty breathing
Loss of appetite
Coughing
Gasping
Nasal discharge
Watery eyes
Bright green diarrhea
Paralysis
Neck twisting
Convulsion

NOTE: When you open a dead chicken and see blood stain/clot in the stomach close to the gizzard (see picture). The chicken may be positive to Newcastle but unlike Gumboro, there is no blood stain/clot on the breast and thigh muscle

TREATMENT
Newcastle disease has no cure, just like Gumboro and most other viral diseases. However it can be effectively managed and prevented by the steps below;
1) Once you observe any sign of Newcastle on your farm from the symptoms above, please do not wait till there is a full outbreak before you take action

NB. My personal advice as a Veterinary Doctor is for you to open up the dead chicken you suspect that died of Newcastle disease and check inside the stomach close to the gizzard as stated above. If positive, then act immediately by isolating the sick birds and depopulation of the remaining birds.

2) Then start aggressive broad spectrum antibiotics treatment for all the birds to fight secondary bacterial infection for 5-7 days according to the manufacturers instruction. Drugs which contains any or combination of the following below can be used; Tetracycline, Neomycin, Gentamicin, Amoxicillin, Colistin Example: Doxy-Gen® Neomycin 10® Neoceryl ® Amoxy-Col® Fam-Col etc., Also Enrofloxacin based drugs are equally effective
Traditionally Aloe vera and Christmas melon (Tangiri) have also been reported to be effective however their palatability remains an issue
3) Administer multivitamins especially Vitamin C
4) Thoroughly disinfect the pen and equipment and allow to "rest" before repopulating

PREVENTION
1) Vaccination
2) Always quarantine them for a set period (usually 30 days) away from your main flock before introducing new birds.
3) Good sanitation is key along side regular cleaning and disinfection of the poultry houses, equipment, and feeders to minimize the risk of harboring the virus.
4) Pest Control as rodents, insects and wild birds can spread Newcastle Disease. Wild birds like pigeon, doves are natural reservoir of Newcastle Disease and their dropping in your farm can spread Newcastle Disease. Hence implement a pest control program to keep your poultry area free of these potential carriers.

Please feel free to share your thoughts and questions

(NB: Some pictures used are for illustrative purposes)

COCCIDIOSIS
Coccidiosis is a disease in poultry that affects the bird's intestine caused by protozoa (same category as malaria parasite). The wet litter and hot pen temperature commonly observed in the rainy season favours the development of its eggs and therefore, the outbreak of coccidiosis.

SYMPTOMS
Bloody faeces
Rough feathers
Paleness of comb, beak, eyes and skin
Dullness
Weakness
Severe diarrhea
Decreased water and feed consumption
Decreased growth rate
Decreased egg production
Death

TREATMENT
1) Once observed, all the flocks including both the sick and the seemingly normal birds are to be treated together

2) The litter has to be changed immediately and the pen disinfected so as to prevent reinfection

3) Administer any of the following drugs:
a) Sulphamapro® (as per manufacturer's instruction

b) Amprolium® (as per manufacturers instruction) but usually 250mg in drinking water for 7 days

c) Amprocox® (Amprolium and Sulfaquinoxaline)(as per manufacturers instruction) but usually 20 gram to 20-40 litres of drinking water for 5-7 days

d) Toltrazuril® (as per manufacturers instruction) but usually 100mg in 100 liters of drinking water for 2 days

e) Diclaz® (As per manufacturer's instruction)

f) Multivitamins to promote healing

4) Traditionally, Dongoyaro leaf extract has also been shown to be effective in treating coccidiosis while crushed pawpaw seed and leaf has also been reported to be effective in preventing coccidiosis so also bitter leaf and garlic

PREVENTION
Change litter regularly especially when accumulated, after each brood or after an outbreak and prevent wet spots in the litter

Do not overstock

Proper ventilation

Proper drainage system and avoid swampy areas

Do not starve your birds

For layers do not use drug in feed but treat early as soon as outbreak appears and treat continuously until they are caged after then treat weekly/monthly for prevention

For broilers, use continuous medication in feed to totally prevent infction.

INFECTIOUS BRONCHITIS

Infectious Bronchitis is a highly contagious viral disease that affects poultry birds especially layers. This disease is transmitted by inhalation, ingestion of contaminated feed and water, or contact with contaminated equipment/clothing and has led to severe loss of profitability among layer farmers. Infectious Bronchitis although primarily a respiratory system disease can also affect the kidney leading to kidney failure and the reproductive system leading to destruction of the oviduct. When the ovary releases egg, the egg will not be formed as the oviduct responsible for its development would have been damaged by the IB virus, hence the yolks along side abdominal fluid accumulates in the abdomen leading to a distended (swollen) abdomen, thereby forcing the bird to stand upright in a penguin-like posture (see photo)

SYMPTOMS
Sneezing

Coughing

Nasal and ocular discharge

Gasping

Respiratory stress

Loss of appetite

Reduced egg production

Poor eggshell quality (thin, soft, wrinkled, rough, or pale shells)

False layer syndrome

Swollen abdomen

Penguin posture

MANAGEMENT
Isolate infected birds and begin treatment on all birds in the pen

Administer broad spectrum antibiotics like Doxycycline, Amoxicillin, Enrofloxacin etc or preferably Tylosine+Doxycycline combo (Tylodox) to manage secondary bacterial infection

Administer vitamin C to boost immune system and aid recovery

Administer multivitamin and mineral supplement/electrolyte

Cull severely infected birds especially layers

PREVENTION
Vaccination

An “all-in/all-out” management policy should be followed, with disinfection between batches

Ensure houses are well-ventilated but also not cold

Ensure houses are free from ammonia build-up from litter by regular disposal

Avoid multiple age groups of birds to avoid the inter-group spread of disease

Ensure houses are pest free

Implement effective biosecurity within and around the farm.

NB: Some pictures are for illustrative purposes and were referenced by the author

BUMBLEFOOT
Bumblefoot is a bacterial disease that affects the bottom of the chicken's foot causing it to swell. The affected area is hard and filled with pus with a brown or black scab. As the severity of the infection increases, so does the pain, and chickens are often reluctant to walk and may appear lame/paralyzed

FACTORS THAT CAN CAUSE BUMBLEFOOT

Large body size

Foot injury

Overgrown toenails

Poor diet

Foot deformities

Bullied chickens

SYMPTOMS

Abnormal walking posture

Painful swelling of the affected foot

Occasional discharge from the affected foot

Reluctance to move

Discoloration of the affected area

TREATMENT

Identify and eliminate the factor responsible for the BUMBLEFOOT

Soak the affected feet with Epsom salt so as to soften the area

Drain the pus by removing the scab and carefully clean the affected area with a mild disinfectant

Apply antibiotic ointment or spray and dress the area with a gauze/bandage

Administer broad spectrum antibiotics like Amoxicillin etc

PREVENTION
Maintain a sanitary environment for birds to live by regularly cleaning.

Provide soft and even ground substrate to walk on.

Keep area dry

Inspect and clean each bird's feet at least once a month.

Feed balanced diet.

Keep toe nails trimmed

NB: Pictures used are referenced for illustrative purposes and not of the author