A Complete Guide to Poultry Health and Disease Management

Poultry farming is a delicate balance between nurture and vigilance. The health of your flock is the linchpin, and understanding and managing potential threats are paramount. In this comprehensive guide, we navigate the terrain of poultry health and disease management, focusing on four critical adversaries: Newcastle disease, salmonellosis, Gumboro disease, and coccidiosis. As we journey through these challenges, we equip you with the knowledge and strategies to keep your feathered companions in robust health. Join us as we embark on this exploration of avian well-being, ensuring that your flock thrives and your poultry enterprise prospers.

NEWCASTLE DISEASE

Newcastle disease, often referred to as avian paramyxovirus (APMV-1), is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects birds, including poultry. Here’s an overview of Newcastle disease, its symptoms, and available treatments:

SYMPTOMS OF NEWCASTLE DISEASE/HOW TO SPOT IT

• Respiratory signs: Affected birds may exhibit sneezing, coughing, and nasal discharge.
• Digestive problems: Diarrhea and greenish feces can occur.
• Nervous system signs: In severe cases, birds may show tremors, paralysis, and twisted necks.
• Drop in egg production: Affected hens may lay fewer eggs, and the eggs laid can have thin shells or abnormal shapes.
• Swelling of the head and neck: This is a common symptom in some strains of Newcastle disease.
• General weakness: Birds may appear lethargic and have a decreased appetite.
• High mortality: The disease can lead to a significant number of deaths in a flock, especially in unvaccinated birds.
• Behavioral Changes: Pay attention to any unusual behavior in your birds, such as isolation from the flock, huddling, or reluctance to move.
• Drop in Feed and Water Consumption: Observe if your birds are consuming less feed and water than usual.
• Incoordination: Some birds may exhibit incoordination or unsteady movements, which can be a neurological symptom.

TREATMENT OF NEWCASTLE DISEASE

Unfortunately, there is no specific antiviral treatment for Newcastle disease. Prevention is the most effective approach, and vaccination is crucial in controlling the spread of the virus. Commercial poultry operations often have vaccination programs in place.

COCCIDIOSIS

Coccidiosis is a gastrointestinal disease that primarily affects poultry, but it can also impact other livestock animals. The parasite Eimeria resides in the intestinal tract of birds and can cause significant damage to the gut lining, leading to various health issues.

SYMPTOMS OF COCCIDIOSIS

• Diarrhea:Infected birds often exhibit diarrhea, which may contain mucus, blood, or a foul odor.
• Decreased Feed Consumption:Birds with coccidiosis tend to eat less due to the damage in their intestines.
• Weight Loss: Reduced feed intake and diarrhea can lead to weight loss and poor growth.
• Dehydration: Diarrhea can cause dehydration in affected birds.
• Ruffled Feathers and Lethargy:Infected birds may appear lethargic, with ruffled feathers.
• Blood in Droppings: In severe cases, you may observe blood in the droppings.
• Reduced Egg Production: Laying hens may experience decreased egg production.

TREATMENT OF COCCIDIOSIS

Treatment of coccidiosis typically involves the use of coccidiostats, which are drugs specifically designed to combat the parasite. Commonly used coccidiostats include amprolium, sulfa drugs, and various other medications. It’s essential to follow your veterinarian’s guidance for dosage and administration. Additionally, maintaining good hygiene and sanitation in the poultry environment is crucial to prevent the spread of the disease.

Premixes, additives, and supplements can be beneficial in managing coccidiosis in poultry, but they are typically used as part of a comprehensive management strategy rather than as the primary treatment. They can help improve overall bird health and resilience to the disease. Here are some options:

• Coccidiostats: These are specific medications used to treat coccidiosis. They are available as premixes or additives in poultry feed. Common coccidiostats include amprolium and various anticoccidial drugs. These are administered according to veterinary guidelines.
• Probiotics: Probiotic supplements can help maintain a healthy gut microbiome in poultry. A balanced gut microbiome can aid in preventing coccidiosis by reducing the opportunity for the parasite to take hold.
• Nutritional Supplements: Providing poultry with well-balanced nutrition, including essential vitamins and minerals, can support their overall health and immune function, making them more resistant to diseases like coccidiosis.
• Enzymes: Some enzymes can help improve the digestibility of feed, which may be especially useful during and after a coccidiosis outbreak to aid in nutrient absorption.
• Acidifiers: Acidifiers added to feed or water can create an environment in the gut that is less favorable for Eimeria, the coccidia parasite.
• Herbal Additives: Certain herbal extracts or essential oils may have antiparasitic properties and can be included in feed as natural additives. Examples include oregano oil or garlic extract.
• Yeast-Based Products: Yeast-based additives can support gut health in poultry, which can be beneficial in preventing coccidiosis.

SALMONELLOSIS

Salmonellosis is a bacterial infection caused by various strains of Salmonella bacteria, and it can affect poultry, including chickens and turkeys. Here’s an overview of salmonellosis, its symptoms, how to spot it, and treatment options:

SYMPTOMS OF SALMONELLOSIS

• Digestive Distress: Infected birds may exhibit symptoms such as diarrhea, which can be watery, mucoid, or bloody. The droppings may become loose and discolored.
• Lethargy:  Birds infected with Salmonella may appear lethargic, with ruffled feathers and reduced activity.
• Reduced Appetite: Decreased feed consumption and weight loss can occur due to digestive problems.
• Drop in Egg Production: Laying hens may experience a decline in egg production or produce eggs with soft shells.
• Dehydration: Diarrhea can lead to dehydration in infected birds.
• Respiratory Signs: In some cases, respiratory symptoms like coughing and nasal discharge may be observed.

TREATMENT OF SALMONELLOSIS

• Isolation: Isolate affected birds to prevent the spread of the infection to the rest of the flock.
• Supportive Care: Provide supportive care, including rehydration with electrolytes and maintaining proper nutrition.
• Antibiotics: In severe cases or when the infection is diagnosed, antibiotics may be prescribed by a veterinarian. The choice of antibiotic and treatment regimen should be determined by a professional.
• Biosecurity: Enhance biosecurity measures to prevent the introduction of the bacteria into your flock. Ensure proper sanitation and hygiene practices.
• Prevention of salmonellosis involves good management practices, including maintaining a clean and sanitary environment, minimizing contact with wild birds, and adhering to biosecurity protocols. Regular testing and monitoring for the presence of Salmonella in your flock may also be recommended, especially in commercial poultry operations.

GUMBORO DISEASE

Gumboro disease, also known as Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD), is a viral infection that affects poultry, particularly young chickens, between the ages of 3 weeks to 3 months. Here’s an overview of Gumboro disease, its symptoms, how to spot it, and available treatment:

SYMPTOMS OF GUMBORO DISEASE

• Depression: Infected birds may appear lethargic and depressed, with ruffled feathers.
• Diarrhea: Birds may have watery and foul-smelling diarrhea.
• Dehydration: Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, resulting in sunken eyes and drooping wings.
• Weight Loss: Affected birds often lose weight and exhibit stunted growth.
• Huddling:  Infected birds tend to huddle together and show a reluctance to move.
• Immune Suppression: Gumboro disease targets the bursa of Fabricius, an organ that plays a crucial role in the development of the immune system. As a result, the birds’ immune system is compromised, making them susceptible to other infections.

VACCINATION SCHEDULE FOR POULTRY IN NIGERIA

TYPE OF POULTRY	DAY 1	WEEKS	VACCINE(TYPE)	ROUTE
BROILERS
	Marek’s disease	–	HVT or CVI988	Injection
	Newcastle disease	–	LaSota or I-2	Drinking water or Spray
	Infectious bronchitis	3-4	Massachusetts or H120	Drinking Water or Spray
	Newcastle disease(booster)	7-10	LaSota I-2	Drinking or Water Spray
	Infectious Bursal Disease(live)	2	Gumboro	Drinking Water
	Infectious Bursal Disease(inactivated)	3-4	Gumboro	Injection
	Infectious Bronchitis(booster)	3-4	Massachusetts or H120	Drinking Water or Spray
	Newcastle disease(booster)	4-5	LaSota I-2	Drinking Water or Spray
	Fowlpox(if needed)	6	Fowlpox	Wing Web Prick
	Newcastle disease(booster)	8	LaSota I-2	Drinking Water or Spray
	Infectious Bronchitis(booster)	10	Massachusetts or H120	Drinking Water or Spray
LAYERS
	Marek’s Disease	–	HVT OR CVI988	Injection
	Newcastle Disease	–	LaSota or I-2	Drinking Water or Spray
	Infectious Bronchitis	–	Massachusetts or H120	Drinking Water or Spray
	Infectious Bursal Disease(live)	3-4	Gumboro	Drinking Water
	Newcastle disease(booster)	8-10	LaSota I-2	Drinking Water or Spray
	Infectious Bursal Disease(inactivated)	10-12	Gumboro	Injection
	Infectious Bronchitis(booster)	14-16	Massachusetts or H120	Drinking Water or Spray
	Newcastle Disease(booster)	20-24	LaSota I-2	Drinking Water or Spray
BREEDERS
	Marek’s Disease	–	HVT or CVI988	Injection
	Newcastle disease	–	LaSota or I-2	Drinking Water or Spray
	Infectious bronchitis	–	Massachusetts or H120	Drinking Water or Spray
	Infectious Bursal Disease(live)	4–5	Gumboro	Drinking Water
	Newcastle disease(booster)	8-10	LaSota or I-2	Drinking Water or Spray
	Infectious Bursal Disease(inactivated)	12-14	Gumboro	Injection
	Infectious Bronchitis(booster)	14-16	Massachusetts or H120	Drinking Water or Spray
	Newcastle disease(booster)	20-24	LaSota or I-2	Drinking Water or Spray

CULLING IN POULTRY

Culling in poultry refers to the deliberate removal or euthanasia of birds from a flock for various reasons. Culling may be necessary for disease control, to eliminate unproductive or low-performing birds, or to maintain the overall health and productivity of the flock.

REASONS FOR CULLING

 Culling can be done for several reasons, including unproductive layers, injured or sick birds, aggressive or cannibalistic individuals, or control of disease outbreaks.

METHODS OF CULLING

There are several humane methods for culling poultry, including:

• Cervical Dislocation (Neck Breaking): This method involves manually stretching and dislocating the bird’s neck, leading to rapid unconsciousness and death. It’s often used for smaller birds.
•  Decapitation: This method involves cutting off the bird’s head, which results in immediate death. It’s suitable for smaller birds as well.
•  Electrocution: For larger poultry, electrocution can be used to induce rapid unconsciousness and death. Proper equipment is required.
•  Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Gas: Birds can be placed in a chamber filled with carbon dioxide, causing unconsciousness and death. This method is suitable for larger flocks.