Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Here are some common diseases that can affect ducks and geese:
Avian influenza:
This disease has caused much concern throughout the world. Avian influ-
enza affects both ducks and geese. The mild form causes such symptoms as lethargy, trouble
breathing, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Death losses are rare from the mild form of avian in-
fluenza, but the more severe form can cause death of the entire flock and is characterized by
the above signs plus facial swelling. There is no specific treatment for avian influenza aside
from good husbandry, and there is not a vaccination. Prevention includes strict attention to ro-
dent control, disinfection of boots and equipment, and control of wild birds. Humans also
have been affected by avian influenza. If your ducks or geese have avian influenza, you need
to report it to your state and local authorities, as well as to the USDA. Ducks and geese are at
increased risk of contracting avian influenza and they need to be tested if you suspect they
may have the illness to keep them from spreading it.
Botulism:
Ducks can be affected by botulism, otherwise known as limber neck. The disease
is caused by the bacterium
Clostridium botulinum
, which grows in the mud and vegetation in
warm, stagnant water. The duck ingests the bacteria, and it releases a toxin. The bird may be
found dead, or it may be paralyzed but conscious. Treatment is possible during the first 24
hours by force-feeding the duck water and feed. The bird should be placed in a shaded, dry
nest away from predators while the toxin wears off.
Chlamydiosis:
Ducks are susceptible to chlamydiosis, or parrot fever. Signs of an infected
duck include nose and eye discharges, sinus infections, reddened eyes, diarrhea, weight loss,
and loss of appetite. The disease is spread from infected bird to healthy bird from discharges
and feces. Wild birds can spread the disease to domestic ducks. Chlamydiosis is also spread
through contaminated boots, clothing, and equipment. Once an infected duck recovers, it can
still be a carrier of the organism. Treatment is done using the antibiotic chlortetracycline.
Fowl cholera:
This infectious disease is caused by the bacterium
Pasteurella multocida
. Both
ducks and geese can contract this disease, which strikes suddenly and causes numerous deaths
in the flock. Factors that can cause an outbreak include overcrowded pens or ponds, spread of
the disease from wild birds, and cold and damp weather. Although sudden death is usually the
first sign of the disease, some birds will have convulsions, rapid breathing, become listless,
have nasal discharge, or have vents matted with droppings. Treatment for those birds in the
flock not ill from fowl cholera is an antibiotic in the water. This treatment is done as a pre-
