Chickens

What critical history questions should be asked regarding respiratory disease in birds?

Types of birds, ages affected, number in flock, clinical signs, vaccination protocol, management conditions.

What are common clinical signs observed in respiratory diseases in birds?

Snicking, sneezing, ruffled feathers, ocular/nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, huddling.

Which diseases can cause a drop in egg production in birds?

Newcastle disease, avian influenza, infectious bronchitis, Mycoplasma gallisepticum.

What clinical signs indicate Newcastle disease?

Sudden death, respiratory signs, GI signs (scour), neurological signs.

What is the primary diagnosis method for avian influenza?

PCR swabs from tracheal, cloacal, oropharyngeal samples.

What is the significance of the wattle and comb color in birds?

Pale indicates anemia; cyanotic indicates avian influenza.

What should be done if Newcastle disease or avian influenza is suspected?

Contact APHA and follow biosecurity protocols.

What environmental factors can cause respiratory distress in birds?

High stocking density, poor ventilation, inadequate access to feed/water.

What primary skin diseases affect feather loss in birds?

Parasites (e.g., red mite, lice), cutaneous Marek’s disease.

What are signs of red mite infestation in birds?

Weight loss, egg drop, anemia; clinical examination may show pale wattles.

What are common gastrointestinal diseases in birds that cause scour?

Eimeria, clostridial enteritis, salmonella.

What does a clinical exam for gastrointestinal issues involve?

Look at scour/back end, comb/wattle color, hydration status.

What treatments can be used for clostridial enteritis in birds?

Oral amoxicillin for 3 days.

What are potential non-infectious causes for weight loss in birds?

Wet litter, poor nutrition.

What should a clinical examination of affected birds include when investigating lameness?

Assessment of gait, joint swelling, pododermatitis.

What causes tibial dyschondroplasia in birds?

Lack of blood supply, resulting in thickening of the growth plate.

What can indicate the presence of Marek's disease in birds?

Lameness, weight loss, neurological signs, tumours.

What are common viral diseases that can result in neurological signs in birds?

Newcastle disease, avian influenza, Marek's disease.

What is a typical approach to handling an outbreak of Newcastle disease?

Culling affected birds and enhancing biosecurity measures.

What is the risk associated with bacterial enteritis in gamebirds?

It can lead to sudden death and high mortality rates.

What clinical signs may indicate parasitic infection in birds?

Itching, feather plucking, weight loss.

What preventive measures can be taken to manage feather loss in birds?

Ensure adequate nutrition, reduce stress, and improve housing conditions.

How can egg drop syndrome be transmitted in birds?

Vertical transmission through eggs due to adenoviral infection.

What should be considered in the management of a flock showing respiratory distress signs?

Reduce stressors like stocking density and improve ventilation.

What are the diagnostic steps for avian rhinotracheitis in affected birds?

Clinical signs assessment, PM examination for serous rhinitis.

What can cause eggs with concentric rings and soft shells in birds?

Newcastle disease.

What signs do you look for when assessing hydration in birds?

Sunken eyes, pale comb/wattle, skin tenting.

What are the symptoms of infectious bronchitis in birds?

Respiratory issues, egg drop, GI signs.

What is a major viral cause of respiratory signs in birds?

Newcastle disease.

How should Newcastle disease be reported?

As it is notifiable, contact APHA immediately.

What is the significance of feather quality examination in birds?

Ruffled feathers can indicate a range of health issues.

What management factors should be evaluated in an outbreak investigation?

Diet changes, management practices, stress levels.

What nutrient deficiency leads to rickets in birds?

Lack of vitamin D3.

What measures can reduce the risk of gastrointestinal diseases in birds?

Good litter management, proper nutrition, and vaccination.

What are options for preventing coccidiosis in a flock?

Vaccination, coccidiostats, and good environmental management.

What is an important diagnostic tool for infectious bursal disease in birds?

PCR tests on faecal samples.

In the case of suspected avian influenza, what immediate steps should be taken?

Contact APHA and enforce movement restrictions.

Which clinical signs are characteristic of avian influenza?

Sudden death, respiratory distress, swollen wattles.

What other clinical signs may accompany egg drop?

Respiratory distress, neurologic signs, and reduced egg quality.

What should a thorough clinical history include regarding egg drop?

Number of birds affected, duration, and clinical signs related to diseases.

What is the consequence of impaired feather development in birds?

Feather loss due to nutritional deficiencies or parasitic infections.

What is the role of proper ventilation in the management of birds?

Prevents respiratory disease by improving air quality and reducing stress.

What are some management tips to prevent feather plucking in birds?

Ensure adequate enrichment and reduce bullying.

What kind of clinical signs might you observe in a case of internal infection leading to egg peritonitis?

Lethargy, reduced egg production, weight gain with decreased appetite.

What is one common treatment for egg peritonitis?

Drainage of ascitic fluid and supportive care with NSAIDs.

What diagnostic techniques are used to identify Mycoplasma gallisepticum infections in birds?

PCR or serology tests.

What are the implications of excessive respiratory distress signs in birds?

May indicate severe disease like Newcastle or avian influenza.

What signs of poor management can lead to health issues in a flock?

Inadequate feeding, poor space allocation, and a dirty environment.

What parameters should be evaluated when considering lameness in birds?

Duration of lameness, nutritional deficiencies, and joint conditions.

What is the impact of biosecurity breaches on poultry health?

Increased risk of disease outbreak and spread.

How can you assess a bird's body condition score (BCS)?

By feeling the keel bone ventrally for prominence.

What is the expected clinical course for birds suffering from Marek's disease?

Progressive paralysis, weight loss, potentially leading to death.

What key risk factors contribute to enteritis in young gamebirds?

Poor biosecurity and introduction to wild environments without acclimatization.

What preventive measures should be employed for layer hens to maintain egg production?

Consistent nutrition, health monitoring, and vaccination protocols.

What are signs of a healthy feather condition in birds?

Shiny, smooth feathers without ruffling or loss.

What is the role of thorough clinical examination in avian health management?

Identifies signs of illness early and directs appropriate treatment.