Common Poultry Diseases & Prevention
Disease identification & control
Poultry diseases can devastate an entire flock within days if not identified and managed promptly. Understanding the most common diseases and their prevention is essential for every farmer.
Newcastle Disease (Ranikhet): This is the most devastating viral disease in poultry. Symptoms include respiratory distress, greenish diarrhea, twisted neck, and high mortality (up to 100%). It spreads through contaminated feed, water, air, and infected birds. Prevention: Strict vaccination schedule — Lasota at day 7 and day 28, plus booster every 2-3 months for breeders. No cure exists once birds are infected.
Infectious Bursal Disease (Gumboro): A viral disease that attacks the immune system of young chicks (3-6 weeks). Symptoms include whitish diarrhea, ruffled feathers, and trembling. Mortality ranges from 5-30%. Prevention: Vaccinate at day 12-14 (intermediate strain) and day 24-26 (hot strain). Maintain strict biosecurity and proper litter management.
Coccidiosis: A parasitic disease caused by Eimeria species affecting the intestinal tract. Symptoms include bloody diarrhea, decreased feed intake, and poor growth. It thrives in wet litter conditions. Prevention: Use coccidiostats in feed, maintain dry litter, and practice all-in-all-out management. Anticoccidial drugs like toltrazuril or sulfonamides are effective treatments.
Chronic Respiratory Disease (CRD): Caused by Mycoplasma gallisepticum, this bacterial infection causes coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, and reduced growth. It spreads through infected breeder flocks and poor ventilation. Prevention: Source chicks from MG-negative breeder flocks, maintain good ventilation, and use tylosin or tiamulin in feed/water as preventive medication.
Ascites (Water Belly): Not infectious — caused by right heart failure due to rapid growth and oxygen demand. Common in fast-growing broilers at high altitudes or poor ventilation. Symptoms include swollen abdomen, labored breathing, and sudden death. Prevention: Control growth rate through feed restriction programs, ensure excellent ventilation, and avoid sudden temperature changes.