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Common Chicken Diseases and Treatments

2016/5/4 10:12:05

There are a number of diseases that can be acquired by chickens and if you are in the poultry business, you have to make sure that you are familiar with them so that you can identify the symptoms as soon as they appear. Prevention is always better than cure, so if you fail to prevent the occurrence, at least you can stop the exacerbation of the situation.

Illnesses can be caused by different factors such as virus and bacteria and the respiratory system is the most common target. Below are some examples of diseases along with their symptoms and suggested treatment methods.

Fowl pox - also known as avian diphtheria, bird pox and chicken pox (though not the same strain as those that occur in human); this affects not just chickens but also other poultry animals like ducks, pheasants and turkeys of any age. Dry pox will exhibit symptoms such as lesions in head, legs and vents; retarded growth and decrease in egg production. The wet pox, on the other hand, is characterized by lesions in the mouth, larynx, pharynx and trachea and respiratory issues due to aerial blockage. It can be transmitted through direct contact with an infected bird or mosquitoes. No treatment is available but since it is slow spreading, vaccination can deter contamination as well as spraying to kill mosquitoes.

Marek's Disease - neural leukosis, acute leukosis and range paralysis are the other names for this condition. It is a viral disease that is also considered the avian cancer. Studies show that chickens that are 12 - 25 weeks old are the most susceptible to it. Symptoms include tumors in spleen, liver, kidneys and other parts and may cause lameness and paralysis. Appearance within the eyes can cause blindness. It is usually transmitted by air and carriers of the virus will have it for life. There are no known treatment for this condition but vaccination can help the formation of tumor although it will not hinder possible infections by the virus.

Fowl Cholera - this is a type of bacterial disease among fowls and also goes by the names avian hemorrhagic septicemia, avian pasteurellosis and cholera. Among the first signs of the outbreak of this condition are dead birds. Other signs include fever, diarrhea, labored breathing, reduced feed consumption, weight loss, lameness, swollen joints and ruffled feathers; more symptoms occur as the condition gets worse. It can be transmitted through rodents, predators, free-flying birds, infected premises and flock additions. Some treatments include the use of antibiotics, vaccination and sulfa drug medication. Rodent control and vaccination are the best ways to prevent the spread of the disease.

Protect your flock from possible disease outbreaks. Learn all the illnesses that may affect them to be ready should they occur. Most of all, keep their dwelling place clean because that is one of the best means to prevent the occurrence of any health problems.

Kenny Oliver has been into poultry raising for more than 20 years now and have mastered the strategies and techniques in raising healthy chickens. Visit his website at http://mychickencoopplans.org/ to get free information and pieces of advice on this endeavor to begin your own project today.