Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Avian Encephalomyelitis
Symptoms: This disease causes a dramatic drop in egg production. If chicks under 3 weeks
contract it they can have neurological problems. Lack of co-ordination and tremors can be
observed in chickens. 25%to 60% of the infected birds die. Chicks will experience weak-
ness, inactivity and sometimes blindness.
Causes: This can be caused by hereditary infection from the mother to chicks and from in-
fected birds. It is a virus.
Treatment: Vaccination or eye drops can be administered to the flock.
Cage Layer Disease
Symptoms: This disease affects young birds that are in the prime of their egg laying capab-
ilities. They display fragile bones and an inability to stand. The birds will stop eating and
their egg shells will become thin.
Causes: This problem usually affects battery hens. It is caused by extreme calcium defi-
ciency.
Treatment: Supplementary feedings of calcium and multivitamins will help. It will also
help the condition if fewer birds are kept in the space. Good nutrition and availability of
fresh water can also help.
Chicken Pox: (Fowl Pox)
Symptoms: Symptoms of this disease are many lesions on parts of the skin that are not
feathered. Lesions around the eyes may cause closure of the eye and lesions found around
the nostrils may result in a runny nose. As the disease progresses, the lesions will form on
the digestive tract and respiratory system. If the disease becomes systemic then lesions can
be seen on internal organs. The death rate is moderate; unless it is systemic then you will
have more deaths.
Causes: The disease can be spread by mosquitoes and the crusts from lesions of infected
birds. It is a virus infection.
Treatment: Vaccination in the first weeks of life and at between 12 and 16 weeks. The
chickens should develop a scab or liaison at the vaccination site. If the birds are kept warm
and dry and given soft food to eat they can recover. Keep sick birds and their feed and wa-
ter containers separately, also always wash hands after handling them.
Botulism
