Common diseases in backyard poultry in Great Britain (excluding gamebirds) - Part 2

 Continuing last week's post, we will go through further health conditions that can affect your birds. 

Duck virus enteritis (or duck plague)

This is a contagious viral disease, affecting adult waterfowl. 

It is characterised by marked seasonality (commonly between April and June) and exposure to wild/feral waterfowl, which may be carriers. Muscovy and Indian Runner ducks have an increased susceptibility. Mallards have shown to be more resistant to this. 

Clinical signs include: increased mortality, ataxia, loss of appetite and watery, blood stained diarrhoea. 

Diagnosed by PME and histopathology. 

Goose parvovirus

This is a highly contagious and fatal (up to 100% mortality) disease of young goslings and muscovy ducklings. It is characterised by a rapid course of disease with anorexia, prostration and death. 

Diagnosed by PME, histopathology, virus isolation and serology. 

Blackhead (histomonosis)

This is a protozoal disease caused by histomonas meleagridis. It usually affects turkeys but can be also found in chickens. 

Clinical signs include sulphur yellow droppings and mortality. PME is characterised by multiple, necrotising target-like liver lesions (circular depressed area of necrosis circumscribed by a raised ring) and typhlitis (severe ulceration and necrotic ceacal cores).

Diagnosed by PME and histopathology.

Parasites coccidiosis

 It is a protozoan disease associated with enteritis, ill-thrift and mortality. The severity of the disease is related to the weight of the coccidial oocyst challenge and immunity of the birds. 

Typical gross lesions at PME may include thickening and/or dilatation of the intestinal tract, haemorrhagic intestinal or caecal contents or causeous caecal cores. 

Diagnosis by PME, microscopy and histopathology. 

Ectoparasites

Red mite and northern fowl mite infestations cause lethargy, egg drop, anaemia and can cause death. Othe common ectoparasites include yellow body louse. Burrowing mites like Knemidocoptes can cause feather loss or excessive scaliness of the skin, leading to thickening and even deformity of the legs (scaly legs).

Endoparasites

It can cause enteritis and ill-thrift in backyard poultry. Internal nematodes include:

• Ascaridia galli - causes ill-thrift, enteritis and intestinal impaction;
• Heterakis gallinarum - has an important role in the transmission of blackhead and is commonly located in the caecum;
• Capillaria spp - pathogenic when present in large numbers and required microscopical examination of mucosa smears. 
• Cestodes and trematodes are not usually pathogenic except in young birds, if inhigh numbers. 

Toxicities

As backyard flocks are usually kept outdoors and owners may have fewer stock husbandry skills, there may be opportunities for birds o gain access to toxins, including plants and other materials. Exposure to any toxin should be regarded as a potential food safety incident and, where necessary, risk management measures should be taken and advice provided to flock owners to protect the food chain. 

Lead intoxication may cause non-specific signs, gizzard impaction, egg drop and mortality. It is due to occasional exposure of backyard chickens and ducks to lead, often from clay pigeon shooting. Waterfowl can sometimes ingest lead from the bottom of ponds and lakes. Exposure should be regarded as a potential food safety incident and measures should be taken to protect the food chain as appropriate, with relevant advice to owner. 

Rodenticide intoxication caused anaemia with fluttering, gasping and haemorrhage in the eyes, mouth and other tissues, with death typically occurring within 72 hours. Occasional, backyard chickens may ingest anticoagulant rodenticides by accident due to careless bait placement. 

Ionophore intoxication may occur in backyard turkeys if they get access to chicken feed supplemented with ionophore-based coccidiostats (broiler mix). Clinical signs inlcude reluctance to walk, gait abnormalities, lameness, dyspnoea and death.

 

General management

Incorrect supply of grit or fibrous feeds may lead to gizzard impaction, and poor hygiene to sour crop. Inadequate nutrition may have devastating consequences with vitamin and mineral deficiencies such as rickets, deficiency in calcium, phosphorus or insufficient vitamin D, which presents as poor chick performance, lameness and an increase in bone deformities. The bones in limbs and beak will be pliable. Also, inadequate housing can make birds vulnerable to predation, cannibalism as well as infectious diseases. 

That is all for today. Hope you have found this helpful. 

From our team, with love, 

FL Poulty

Common diseases in backyard poultry in Great Britain (excluding gamebirds) - Part 1

 On this week's post, we will refrain from sharing pictures due t the sensitivity of the matter. However, we still feel it is important to share so people know when their birds are needing veterinary care and when to isolate them. 

With this in mind, let's start. 

Neoplasms

Neoplasms are, by far, the most common diagnosis in backyard chickens. 

Neoplasms fall into two categories, those with an infectious aetiology such as Marek’s Disease, and those with a non-infectious aetiology. The latter are usually sporadic and not of great economic significance, such as adenocarcinomas. 

Diagnosis is done by post-mortem examination (PME) and histopathology.

Marek's disease (MD)

This is a lymphoproliferative and neuropathic disease in chickens. It is less commonly present in turkeys. 

MD is caused by a cell-associated herpesvirus and can cause significant mortality and symptoms. Treatment is not possible. Vaccination is used in commercial flocks. 

Classical symptoms are:

• paralysis of legs or wings;
• paralysis of the neck (torticolis) with peripheral nerve enlargement.

Other symptoms may also be present:

• Multiple visceral tumours (multifocal lymphona)

Diagnosed by PME and histopathology. 

E-Coli infections and colisepticaemia

E-Coli infections can lead to a variety of diseases, including colisepticaemia. When affecting multiple body systems, could develop polyserositis.

In chicks, during the first week of life, E-coli may cause yolk sac infection (omphalitis or mushy chick disease), characterised by abnormal discoloration of the yolk sac contents, usually non-absorbed and with a malodorous smell. Airsacculitis due to E. Coli is often secondary to viral, mycoplasmal or environmental challenge (dust and/or ammonia). 

E. Coli is also associated with egg peritonitis, including egg yolk coelo

Diagnosis requires PME. 

Respiratory disease

This is one of the most common presentations in backyard poultry. They are often multifactorial and may be caused by noninfectious factors (dust, ammonia) and/or infectious causes. 

The latter includes viral, bacterial, mycoplasmal and fungus: avian influenza, Newcastle disease, infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILT), infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), pasteurella multocida (Fowl Cholera), Mycoplasma gallisepticum, Avibacterium paragallinarum (Infectious Coryza) and Aspergillosis. 

Respiratory aspergillosis (brooder pneumonia) is a commonn mismanagement problem, with exposure by inhalation os environmental spores. Newly hatched turkeys, chickens and ducks are highly susceptible. Co-infections with respiratory pathogens can occur quite often. The severity of the disease can also be influenced by the environmental and host factors, complicating the diagnosis. 

Primary viral (mycoplasma) associated respiratory disease may predispose to secondary bacterial infection, although bacterial pathogens can cause disease in their own right. Laboratory testing and veterinary care are essential to reach an accurate diagnosis in order to provide appropriate advice on prevention and treatment. Flock serology can be used to demonstrate exposure (in particular for Mycoplasmosis).

Mycoplasmosis (Mycoplasma gallisepticum)

It cam cause acute or chronic respiratory disease but often presents as a persistent or recurrent respiratory disease in backyard flocks. 

Diagnosis by serology and PCR/DGGE (http://www.defra.gov.uk/ahvla-en/diseasecontrol/non-notifiable/mycoplasmosis/#avian Infectious).

 Coryza

This is typically and acute and highly contagious bacterial disease of the upper respiratory tract. It presents clinically as severe nasal discharge, sinusitis and facial oedema. A drop in egg production may also be noticed. 

Diagnosis required PME and bacteriology (http://www.defra.gov.uk/ahvla-en/diseasecontrol/non-notifiable/infectious-coryza)

Viral diseases infectious bronchitis

This is an acute and highly contagious viral respiratory disease with high morbidityand typically low mortality. It can be accompanied by a sharp drop in egg production and affects egg quality. 

Neurological signs are not a feature of this condition. 

In broilers, IB has been associated with renal damage, mortality and poor performance. 

IB vaccination is common in commercial flocks. For detection of IBV and IBV-like gammacoronaviruses, there is real-time RT-PCR and other molecular tests.

Infectious Laryngotracheitis (ILT) 

This is an acute viral disease of chickens which presents as severe dyspnoea (gasping) with bloody mucus and high mortality in adult birds. Introduction of te infection is usually by asymptomatic carriers. 

Diagnosis is carried out by PME and histopathology. Vaccination is available for prevention. 

Hope you have fund this post helpful. Next week, we will continue on the same subject. 

Until then, 

With love, from our team, 

FL Poultry

Supplements and their benefits

 

Before starting this short list, I would like to make something very clear. 

These are supplements. They are meant to the mixed with food and DO NOT replace health feed nor veterinary care.

After this short announcement, let's start. 

Oregano:

Oregano can strengthen the immune system, helping to protect your birds against varied diseases like:

• Infectious bronchitis;
• E-Coli;
• Coccidiosis.

It contains vitamins A, B and K, calcium, antioxidants and antimicrobial. 

It also helps with intestinal health. 

Chilli Pepper:

Chilli peppers help fight bacterial infections, prevents parasites and worms.

It contains antioxidants and vitamins A and C. 

It also promotes a health digestive system. 

Cayenne Pepper:

It boosts egg production, improves circulation and helps prevent frostbite.

Black Pepper:

It works as an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, promotes respiratory health and increases nutrient absorption. 

Contains antioxidants.

Cinnamon:

It acts as an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. 

Helps prevent neurological diseases, and promotes healthy circulation. 

Garlic:

Boots the immune and respiratory systems. 

It also works as a de-wormer. Repels fleas, lice , mites, ticks and other parasites. 

Reduces the smell of manure.

Turmeric:

It works as an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. 

Reduces swelling in injured areas. 

If applied topically promotes fast wound healing. 

Aids in digestion and healthy immune system. 

Increases resistance to avian necrotic enteritis.

Mint:

Repels invasive rodents, parasites, insects, fleas, lice and mites. 

Has calming effects. 

It is rich in vitamins A, B and C, iron and potassium. 

It acts as a digestive aid. Also relieves pain and respiratory congestion. Works as an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. 

Promotes healthy blood circulation, reduces irritation, strengthens the immune system and is a natural deodorant.

 

Parsley:

It is rich in vitamins A, B, C, E and K. Also has calcium, iron, magnesium and selenium. 

Stimulates egg production and promotes fertility, strengthens the immune system, reduces flock stress, improves digestion and lowers cholesterol.

 

Thyme:

It strengthens the immune, digestive and respiratory systems. Helps healing from respiratory problems and promotes digestive health. 

Works as an antibacterial, antibiotic and anti-parasitic.  

It repels invasive pests and promotes egg production.

 

Cilantro:

It helps prevent fungal disease, promotes bone health and strengthens the respiratory, digestive, reproductive and immune systems. 

It is rich in vitamins A and K, antioxidants and minerals. 

Improves vision. 

It helps the birds battle coccidiosis. 

It promotes egg production and reduces blood spots on eggs. 

Reduces coop odor. 

Sage:

Prevents salmonella, works as an antibacterial, antioxidants and anti-parasitic. 

Repels insects, prevents fungus and aids in bone health.

Rosemary:

Works as pain reliever, deodorant and antibacterial. 

It has a calming effect, is an insect repellent and strengthens the respiratory system.  

Basil:

Promotes mucous membrane health, strengthens respiratory system and acts and an anti-inflammatory. 

It repels insects, increased circulation and is rich in nutrients. 

Dill:

Strengthens the respiratory, digestive and immune systems. 

It is rich in vitamins A, C and K, antioxidants and minerals. 

It acts as an antibacterial. It also promotes bone health. 

Tomato:

It s rich in vitamins A, C and K, potassium, antioxidants, fibre and minerals. 

It lowers flock stress. 

Bell Peppers:

It is rich in vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates and has a high water content. 

To note that the red pepper is the richest, compared to yellow or green. 

My advice: depending on the time of the year and the needs of the birds or flocks, I will add these supplements mixed with pellets or corn, between once a week and once a month. 

Note: all imagens taken from google. 

 

With love, from out team, 

FL Poultry