Poultry diseases can have a significant impact on flock health and production. They are
generally classified into three categories:
1.Bacterial diseases
2.Viral diseases
3.Parasitic diseases
A. Bacterial Diseases
Infectious Coryza
Also known as fowl coryza.
Cause: Haemophilus paragallinarum
Clinical Signs:
- Facial swelling
- Purulent ocular and nasal discharge
- Sneezing
Treatment & Prevention:
Treat with antibiotics such as oxytetracycline, tylosin, or trimethoprim at 1 g per litre of water, or
enrofloxacin at 1 ml per litre of water.
Good husbandry practices are essential.
Best prevention is through strict biosecurity.
Fowl Cholera
Cause: Pasteurella multocida
This contagious bacterial infection ranges from acute septicaemia
(blood poisoning) to chronic, localized infections.
Clinical Signs:
- Swollen wattles with purplish discoloration
- Respiratory distress (coughing, sneezing)
- Yellowish diarrhoea
Treatment & Prevention:
● Treat with erythromycin or sulfadiazine at 1 g per litre of water for 3–5 days.
● Clean and disinfect poultry facilities regularly.
● Properly dispose of dead birds.
● Prevent contact with wild birds.
● Quarantine new birds before introduction.
Fowl Typhoid
Cause: Salmonella Gallinarum
Clinical Signs:
- Drowsiness
- Huddling
- Poor growth
- Watery or chalky white diarrhoea, often pasted around the vent
- Reduced egg production
Treatment & Prevention:
● Treat with sulfonamides (1 ml or 1 g per litre of water for 3–5 days) or
oxytetracycline/doxycycline (1 g per litre of water for 3–5 days).
● Use probiotics and supportive care (warmth, easy access to feed and water, stress
reduction).
● Control rodent and biting fly populations.
● Practice biosecurity and vaccination.
B. Viral Diseases
| DISEASE | CLINICAL SIGNS | CONTROL & PREVENTION |
| Newcastle Disease Cause: Avian paramyxovirus (NDV) Highly contagious, spread through direct contact, contaminated feed/water/equipment, clothing, and airborne transmission over short distances. The virus can survive for weeks in the environment. | ● Coughing, sneezing, rattling breathing ● Yellowish-green diarrhoea ● Nervous signs (tremors, twisted neck) ● Depression ● Drop in egg production, soft-shelled eggs | ● Vaccination ● Strict biosecurity: control access, disinfect footwear/vehicles, control vectors (wild birds, rodents, insects), maintain sanitation. ● No cure; provide supportive treatment. |
| Gumboro Disease (Infectious Bursal Disease – IBD) Cause: Infectious Bursal Disease Virus (IBDV) Affects young chickens, damaging the bursa of Fabricius and reducing immunity. | ● Sudden depression, ruffled feathers ● Watery diarrhoea ● Trembling ● Death in severe cases ● Increased susceptibility to other diseases | ● Vaccination and biosecurity. ● No cure; supportive care with vitamins, electrolytes, and infection prevention. |
| Infectious Bronchitis Cause: Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV) – a coronavirus. Affects respiratory tract; some strains also damage kidneys and reproductive tract. | ● Sneezing, coughing, nasal discharge ● Watery eyes ● Reduced feed intake ● Drop in egg production, poor eggshell quality ● Kidney strains: increased thirst, watery droppings, mortality | ● Biosecurity, vaccination (often combined with Newcastle disease vaccine) ● Proper ventilation and stress reduction ● No cure; provide supportive care and antibiotics for secondary infections. |
| Fowl Pox Fowl pox is a viral disease affecting birds, particularly chickens, turkeys, and other domesticated fowl. It’s caused by the Avipoxvirus and can manifest in two forms: Cutaneous form: Characterized by pox lesions on the skin, particularly on the face, comb, wattles, and legs. Diphtheritic form: Affects the mucous membranes of the mouth, throat, and respiratory tract, causing lesions and difficulty breathing. | ● Pox lesions or scabs on the skin ● Lesions or plaques in the mouth, throat, or respiratory tract ● Difficulty breathing ● Reduced egg production ● Weight loss ● Lethargy | |
| Marek’s Disease Cause: Marek’s disease virus – a herpesvirus. Affects nerves, eyes, skin, and organs. | ● Leg or wing paralysis (one leg forward, one back) ● Drooping wings ● Weight loss despite good appetite ● Vision problems (grey, irregular pupil) ● Tumours in skin or organs | Vaccinate chicks at hatch ● Maintain hygiene and biosecurity ● No cure; prevention is key. |
C. Parasitic Diseases
I apologize for including a link, but I believe it will help clarify my question. Considering the use of Trimethoprim in the treatment of poultry diseases like Infectious Coryza, I would like to know how effective it is in combination with Sulfadiazine, especially in terms of side effects and interactions. I found this information that may be useful: https://pillintrip.com/medicine/trimethoprim-sulfadiazine-sulfadiazine-trimethoprim. Thank you for your insights!
Good and educative
thank you