Another one to add to our list of respiratory diseases, this
incredibly contagious viral disease plagues chickens in particular, rather than
birds in general.
Causes:
As mentioned above, this one is very infectious and can be spurred
on by factors like the age of the flock and the living environment.
The virus can spread through a number of transmissions including
feed bags, dead birds, infected coops, and those good-for-nothing rodents. But
most commonly it can spread via the air.
Symptoms:
Chickens that have Infectious Bronchitis (IB) will eat and drink
less and develop a watery discharge from their eyes and nostrils. They will
begin to have heavy, laboured breathing, and their egg production can drop.
However, while this is a common symptom we've seen multiple times
before, often chickens who have contracted Infectious Bronchitis never recover
to previous levels of egg production, and their egg whites can become more
watery.
Is it fatal?
Generally not.
While it can lead to secondary infections, most adult chickens can
recover. However, chicks are highly at risk and can have high mortality rates.
Treatment:
Once again there is little to do once your chickens already have the
virus, besides taking good, rehabilitative care of them.
However, if they are still chicks, you can raise the temperature of
their environment by a few degrees and give them a mash to help them eat
easier.
Vaccines are available to prevent contracting the disease, but it
must be given early on in life (within the first 15 weeks) as eventually, it
will stop the hen from being able to lay eggs.
If you think you’re battling with Infectious Bronchitis or another
respiratory illness, kindly conduct us for more information to help make the
diagnosis.
This is where
we will be ending our discussion for today. Remember to share your comments, views and opinions.
Comments
Post a Comment