One of the
challenges you face as a farmer is the threat of a common and potentially
devastating disease called coccidiosis. But once you understand what causes it
and how it spreads, you can feel more confident about your ability to limit its
impact on your flock.
Coccidiosis is
caused by a microscopic parasite that is transmitted via the droppings from
infected birds. In other words anywhere there's a microscopic trace of bird's
dropping in water or feeders there is almost certainly coccidia present. So you
have to make sure that the hygiene of the water and feeds is at its best.
Symptoms of
coccidiosis include; brown diarrhoea, weight loss, paleness, ruffled feathers, huddling,
loss of appetite, bloody diarrhoea. All birds are at risk, but growing birds
and young adults 3 to 9 weeks seem more susceptible. So in case of any invasion
by this disease always treat it using Embazim Fort, it is given for five
consecutive days.
When
coccidiosis is allowed to proliferate unhandled, it invades the lining of the
intestines causing tissue damages and interfering with nutrient absorption. It
can be devastating to a flock since it will slow down the growth rate of our
birds and mortality hence losses.
One of the best
way to prevent coccidiosis outbreak is by practicing responsible sanitation and
litter management. Coccidia thrives on damp, warm conditions, so wet litter
around drinkers is a breeding place for coccidiosis.
Believe it or
not, when the conditions are just right coccidia can survive up to 4 years
outside a bird’s body. And these hardy little organisms can be transmitted via
boots, equipment and rodents.
So you are
going to need a multi-tiered approach to minimize the threat. Here are some of
the suggestions;
1.
Keep the premises as dry as possible.
Coccidiosis thrives mainly in moisture.
2. Thoroughly clean and disinfect the
brooder between broods using a suitable disinfectant, this includes any
equipment the chicks will come across.
3. Provide clean water at all times. A
typical problem is that brooder litter gets scratched into the water. If
possible elevate the drinkers and feeders slightly. Clean the water
relentlessly, if you wouldn't be willing to drink the water yourself it's not
clean enough, and never let the drinkers run dry, it will force the birds to
search for water in the drinkers puddles which is almost contaminated.
4. Replace wet litter around drinkers and
replace with clean dry litter to any spot where you have removed.
This is where we will be ending our discussion for today.
Do you have any questions or other forms of contributions, kindly use the comment section below for all your contributions.
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