Chicken diseases – Coryza and Coccidiosis

Coryza

Introduction

Infections Coryza is usually acute and sometimes chronic, highly infectious disease of chickens, occasionally pheasants and guinea-fowl. Infectious Coryza is characterised by catarrhal inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, especially nasal and sinus mucosae.

Infectious Coryza is caused by the bacterium Haemophilus paragallinarum and is seen in many countries especially in multi-age farms that are never depopulated. Morbidity is high but mortality low if uncomplicated, although it may be up to 20%.

The route of infection is conjunctival or nasal with an incubation period of 1-3 days followed by rapid onset of the disease over a 2-3 day period with the whole flock affected within 10 days. This results in increased culling. Carriers are important with transmission via exudates and by direct contact. It is not egg-transmitted.

The bacterium survives 2-3 days outside the bird but is easily killed by heat, drying and disinfectants. Intercurrent respiratory viral and bacterial infections are predisposing factors.

Read more

More: https://poultry.extension.org/articles/poultry-health/common-poultry-diseases/infectious-coryza-in-poultry/

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/infectious-coryza-could-be-a-concern-for-poultry-owners

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Coccidiosis & Your Chickens – What You Need to Know

Whether you are thinking about raising your own chickens for meat or eggs or have an established flock, learning to protect your chickens from a variety of diseases will help you raise the most productive and healthy chickens.

One such disease is coccidiosis, the number one killer of brooder chicks, according to the Chicken Chick.

Coccidiosis is a common, and sometimes deadly, intestinal disease caused by a parasitic organism that attaches itself to a chicken’s intestinal lining. This parasitic invasion damages the intestinal tract, preventing the host chicken from absorbing nutrients vital to their survival.

Coccidiosis starts with an oocyst, or microscopic egg, that is passed through a chicken’s droppings. The oocyst can lay dormant in soil for up to a year and doesn’t become infectious (sporulate) until the surrounding conditions support its survival.

Sporulation generally occurs in wet, humid conditions between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit that are present for several days. Areas around feeders and waterers are prime real estate for these parasites, especially if these areas are not cleaned and maintained properly.

After sporulation, the oocyst will be ingested by a chicken, typically through eating, drinking, or scratching the ground. Once in the stomach, stomach acid begins breaking down the hard, protective layer surrounding the oocyst. The oocyst then hatches and invades the cell lining of the chicken’s small intestine. The oocyst goes through several life stages and multiplies rapidly, rupturing bowel cells as it continues to proliferate.

All chickens are carriers of various strains of the coccidiosis organism, but not all become infected with the disease. Coccidiosis can also be spread by unknowingly carrying the eggs (oocysts) of these parasites on clothing or equipment, such as shovels or pails, into the flock environment.

Young chickens (under six months of age) are most susceptible to the disease since they haven’t had time to develop a natural immunity. However, adult chickens can also be infected with the disease and pass it on to other members of the flock through their droppings.

Symptoms

Coccidiosis develops quickly, with an incubation period of 4 to 8 days. Symptoms may develop gradually or appear suddenly. It is not uncommon for a chicken to seem fine one day and become very sick or even die the next.

The most common symptom of the disease is blood or mucus in chicken droppings. However, reddish chicken droppings aren’t always an indicator of coccidiosis. Chicken droppings may also appear brownish red in color due to the normal shedding of cecal cells. The only way to know if the droppings indicate an infected bird is to have the droppings tested by a veterinarian.

Read more

More: https://extension.psu.edu/managing-chicken-coccidiosis-in-small-flocks-during-summer