Introduction
Disease outbreaks can devastate a poultry farm, causing losses in production and income. Knowing common poultry diseases and the best control measures helps ensure a healthy, profitable flock.
Notable Diseases
- Newcastle Disease (ND)
- Symptoms: Respiratory distress, nervous signs, drop in egg production.
- Control: Vaccination is the best defense; maintain strict biosecurity.
- Gumboro (Infectious Bursal Disease)
- Symptoms: Ruffled feathers, dehydration, vent picking.
- Control: Vaccinate at recommended intervals; disinfect all equipment regularly.
- Coccidiosis
- Symptoms: Bloody droppings, poor growth, ruffled feathers.
- Control: Use anticoccidial drugs, maintain clean, dry litter.
- Fowl Pox
- Symptoms: Wart-like lesions on comb, wattles, beak area.
- Control: Vaccinate; reduce contact with wild birds and mosquitoes.
- Marek’s Disease
- Symptoms: Paralysis of legs/wings, weight loss, and tumors.
- Control: Day-old chick vaccination, maintain a clean environment.
General Prevention Strategies
- Quarantine new or sick birds.
- Practice “all-in, all-out” management to allow thorough cleaning between flocks.
- Clean waterers and feeders daily.
- Keep wild birds and rodents away from poultry houses.
Conclusion
Proactive management—routine vaccinations, vigilant observation, and strict biosecurity—can significantly reduce disease risks. Early detection and rapid response to illness often mean the difference between minor losses and a farm-wide crisis.
