Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Common Chicken Diseases, Causes, Symptoms and Their Treatment
Fatty Syndrome:
Symptoms: This disease occurs when an abnormal amount of fat cells are deposited in the
liver of the bird. It is a serious disease that can result in death if not treated.
Some chickens will show very few symptoms and will just die. Initially signs of the disease
are lethargy, depression and loss of appetite. An enlarged liver can be felt due to the fat de-
posits and the chicken will display a distended abdomen. Egg laying will decrease dramat-
ically and poor feather growth may be observed. Advanced symptoms can include Central
Nervous System problems.
Causes: There are a variety of causes for this disease and the actual cause of it is not really
known. It can be due to high fat content in the diet, which can occur if the birds have a diet
consisting of only seeds, and overeating can also cause this. Disorders such as diabetes and
thyroid issues can give rise to this problem. Nutritional deficiencies and hereditary problems
are also factors. Toxins in the air, water or feed can also precipitate this disease.
Treatment: The diet for these birds should be low in fat and be high quality pellets. They
should also be given plenty of green leafy vegetables and fresh water. Because the birds may
be disinclined to eat you may have to feed them through a tube. They need a little extra heat
and if in advanced stages may need lactose medicine.
Avian Influenza
Symptoms: This is a disease that is carried by a virus and there are 15 strains of it. The Asi-
atic strain is the most dangerous as this can infect humans. There will be a dramatic drop in
egg laying. The bird will show signs of listlessness and be sitting quietly instead of showing
activity that is common to chickens. They may also display runny stool and a cough. They
can also show signs of difficulty in breathing and excretions from their nose region.
Causes: This disease is very contagious and can quickly spread from contaminated birds.
Wild birds are carriers and can infect chickens if they have contact with the chicken's food
and water. It is carried in the feces of the birds.
Treatment: It is good to have a covered run to prevent chickens having contact with wild
birds. If birds are seen with these symptoms, they should be isolated quickly and all surfaces
that they have been in contact with disinfected promptly. Birds that have the disease are of-
ten culled promptly. Vaccinations are sometimes given for some strains.
