Infections in poultry are a crucial concern for many producers due to the ever-changing farming environment. Poultry farmers now face a variety of challenges, including low genetic potential, low productivity, inadequate nutrition, illnesses, poor management techniques, and limited market access. Among these obstacles, respiratory infections have proven to be one of the most chronic and destructive issues, disproportionately affecting small farmers. Respiratory diseases not only endanger flock health but also reduce the profitability of chicken production. The principal causes of these illnesses can be attributed to two factors: management failures and agents that cause diseases.
Management Issues
Farmers may try their hardest, but even minor mishandling of chickens can cause respiratory distress. Dust in the barn or chicken house is one of the most frequent causes, as it can irritate the respiratory system over time. The airways can become irritated by bedding materials’ dust, such as sawdust, wood shavings, or rice husks, which can cause breathing difficulties, coughing, and sneezing. To prevent these problems, it is crucial to maintain clean housing and select the appropriate bedding materials. Furthermore, breathing issues might be made worse by inadequate ventilation. Poor air circulation leads to the buildup of toxic gases and excess heat, which can compromise the health of birds. Ensuring that side curtains remain open for proper air movement will help remove harmful gases and provide fresh oxygen, which is crucial for maintaining respiratory health.
Dusty feed is another factor connected to management that can induce respiratory distress. The finely powdered feed that is supplied to many long-living poultry species irritates the respiratory tract and produces coughing when inhaled. The birds’ general growth and performance are negatively impacted by this discomfort, which also compromises their ability to breathe and reduces their intake of feed. Farmers can lessen this by selecting feed that is higher quality and has a coarser consistency.
Additionally, the chilling effect of frigid temperatures might stress the birds, particularly when temperatures drop below 17°C. Although chickens grow full feather cover by week 7, exposure to cold can harm their health, causing respiratory problems. Farmers should control the temperature within the chicken house, especially at night, when the risk of chilling is higher. Using brooders in cold weather can help keep temperatures comfortable.
Contaminated drinking water is another major source of respiratory illnesses. Water contaminated with disease-causing organisms like E. coli can cause respiratory difficulties in chickens. To prevent the growth of hazardous bacteria in water lines, fresh, clean water should be provided on a regular basis and treated with chlorine or hydrogen peroxide. This reduces the danger of infections, which can be detrimental to flock health.
Respiratory Diseases
Various bacterial and viral infections cause respiratory illnesses in chickens. These infections frequently cause similar symptoms, such as coughing, sneezing, and difficulty breathing, making it difficult for farmers to determine the exact cause without veterinary help. Common respiratory infections include Mycoplasmas, Newcastle disease, Infectious Bronchitis, Coryza, E. coli, and Aspergillosis. These illnesses can spread quickly across flocks and require immediate attention. Seeing a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment is critical for disease outbreak management.
Vaccination
One of the best methods for shielding chickens from respiratory illnesses is vaccination. By vaccinating birds, farmers can significantly reduce the risk of infection from viral and bacterial diseases. When vaccination campaigns are carefully implemented, they have proved successful in eliminating a number of respiratory diseases, including Newcastle disease, coryza, and poultry cholera. To maintain flock health and increase productivity, farmers should make sure their chicken flocks are vaccinated in accordance with the suggested schedule.
Hatchery Vaccination
In recent years, vaccination methods in hatcheries have become more popular, allowing chicks to be immunized before they arrive on the farm. This has proven to be an effective technique of disease prevention because vaccines for key diseases such as Marek’s disease, Infectious Bronchitis, and Gumboro may be provided at the hatchery. Farmers should inquire about the vaccination status of chicks before obtaining them and adhere to the specified immunization protocols for the type of chicken they are growing.
Managing respiratory infections in chickens necessitates a multimodal strategy that includes effective farm management, preventive measures, and vaccination. Farmers can lower the risk of respiratory infections by improving management practices such as ventilation, bedding, feed quality, water sanitation, and temperature control. Vaccinations also give long-term disease protection, ensuring the flock’s health and productivity.
