A-Z of chicken diseases

[OrpingtonManiac]

49. Chicken infectious anaemia
CIA is a disease affecting chicks (typically 2-3 weeks of age), caused by chicken infectious anaemia virus (CIAV). It is often complicated by secondary infections. It can also occur in adults, and in adults it causes immunosuppression.
High mortality is caused by either anaemia or secondary infections.

Transmission:
CIAV is spread vertically or horizontally. Infected chicks will shed the virus in their feces, which contaminates water, food and bedding. Other chicks will then ingest the virus.
In adults, CIAV can reactivate in sexually mature hens, resulting in the chicks from that hen becoming infected.

Symptoms:
Weakness; red to blue skin discolouration (as a result of haemorrhaging in the skin); loss of appetite; ruffled feathers; paleness; huddling under heat sources; reduced growth; weight loss; dullness; depression; lethargy

Prevention:
Good sanitation
Avoid overcrowding
Vaccinate breeding hens

Treatment:
There is no specific treatment for CIA, although secondary infections can be treated.

 

[OrpingtonManiac]

50. Choline deficiency
Choline is an essential nutrient. It is involved in building and maintaining cell structure, and is important for fat metabolism in the liver. It helps prevent fatty liver. It is also used in the production of acetylcholine, which is essential for the transmission of nerve impulses. Choline deficiency is most common in growing chicks.

Foods containing choline:
All foods with naturally occurring fats have choline. Egg yolk, legumes etc. are good sources. Corn is low in choline.

Symptoms:
Stunted growth; poor feathering; perosis; thick, short, bowed legs; in laying hens: Less eggs, and lower quality eggs; fatty liver syndrome

Prevention:
Feed a nutritionally balanced diet
Supplement with b-vitimans after hatching

 

[OrpingtonManiac]

51. Chronic respiratory disease
This a respiratory infection of the upper respiratory tract, caused by Mycoplasma Gallisepticum (MG). Young birds are often more severely affected. Antibiotics alleviate symptoms but do not get rid of the infection.

Transmission:
It spreads both vertically (from breeding parents to chick) and horizontally (from bird to bird, or host to bird). Horizontally, it is spread through the air, feed and water contamination, and contact with infected hosts. It can also remain in shoes, vehicles etc.

Symptoms:
Eye discharge; conjunctivitis; gurgling sounds; gaping; coughing; sneezing; nasal discharge; facial swelling; head shaking; tracheal rales.

Prevention:
Minimise contact with other birds
Quarantine all new flock members
Minimise stress

 

[OrpingtonManiac]

52. Cloacal prolapse
This occurs when the inner tissues protrude outside the vent of a chicken. The longer the tissues remain outside the body, the higher the risk of secondary infections and tissue damage.

Symptoms:
Excessive straining; organs hanging outside of the vent; preening excessively; picking at vent region; soiled feathers around the vent.

Treatment and support:
If the prolapse is caused by egg laying, remove all pellets and instead feed a diet of mixed corn only until the vent has fully recovered. Limit the hens exposure to light.

Cleaning:
As soon as the prolapse is discovered, remove the chicken from the rest of the flock. All debris, fecal material or egg material should be removed. This can be done by soaking the chickens lower half.

If the tissues is contaminated with excessive fecal/egg material:
Do not attempt to push the tissue back inside the chicken. Apply a topical antibacterial to the area, such as honey, and call a veterinarian. Broad spectrum antibiotics may be used to prevent secondary infections.

If the tissue is damaged:
Do not push the tissue back inside the bird. Keep the bird separated in a warm, dry area away from any stressors. Call a veterinarian.

If the tissue is not damaged:
Apply a water-based lubricant and carefully push the material back inside the vent. Do not press to hard.

If the tissue does not remain inside the vent:
Calling a veterinarian is necessary. Additional procedures may be carried out by the vet, such as temporary sutures.

Causes:
Chronic straining from laying
Large abdominal masses
Peritonitis
Holding droppings for extended periods (eg in broody hens)
Constipation
Soft shelled eggs
Large eggs
Obese chickens
Calcium deficiency