LIPODI MIDTERMS (POULTRY DISEASES)

A. Key Definitions

  • Physiology: Study of normal body functions.

  • Pathology: Study of diseases and their causes/effects.

  • Anatomy: Study of body parts and structure.

  • Flock: Group of birds kept together.

  • Endemic: Disease regularly found in a certain area.

  • Pathognomonic: A sign that clearly identifies a specific disease.

🔹 II. Recognizing Healthy vs. Sick Chickens

Healthy Chicken:

  • Bright eyes

  • Clean nostrils and feathers

  • Active and alert

  • Good appetite

  • Smooth breathing

Sick Chicken:

  • Poor appetite

  • Huddling and weakness

  • Ruffled feathers

  • Coughing/sneezing

  • Nasal or eye discharge

  • Bloody or wet litter

  • Increased deaths in flock

🔹 III. Causes of Diseases (Epidemiologic Triad)

Factor

Examples

Agent

Viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, toxins

Host

Breed, age, sex, immune status

Environment/Management

Feed, water, space, ventilation, sanitation, weather

🔹 IV. Specific Signs of Diseases

System Affected

Typical Signs

Possible Diseases

Respiratory

Gasping, coughing, nasal discharge

Avian flu, Newcastle, bronchitis, fowl cholera

Nervous

Tremors, paralysis, circling

Marek’s, Newcastle, encephalitis, botulism

Locomotor

Crooked toes, swollen hocks

Rickets, vitamin deficiencies, injury

Digestive

Bloody or watery feces

Coccidiosis, enteritis, worms

External (Skin, Legs)

Scales, lesions

Mites, lice, deficiencies, dermatitis

🔹 V. Disease Prevention & Control (Biosecurity)

  1. Isolate sick birds.

  2. Dispose of dead birds properly.

  3. Observe flock daily for symptoms.

  4. Call a vet or technician if unsure.

  5. Avoid moving birds or adding new ones during outbreaks.

  6. Don’t visit other farms.

  7. Maintain good FLAWSS:

    • Feed, Lighting, Air, Water, Space, Sanitation.

🔹 VI. Common Poultry Diseases

A. Viral Diseases

  • Newcastle Disease: Coughing, paralysis, greenish diarrhea. Controlled by vaccination (B1B1 or LaSota).

  • Infectious Laryngotracheitis: Bloody mucus, facial swelling. Prevent with strict biosecurity and TCO vaccine.

  • Avian Influenza, Fowl Pox, Gumboro (IBD): Other common viral infections.

B. Bacterial Diseases

  • Fowl Cholera, Colibacillosis, Coryza: Cause nasal discharge, swelling, and mortality.

  • Treatment: Proper antibiotics (only under vet advice).

C. Mycoplasma Diseases

  • Mycoplasma gallisepticum: Chronic respiratory disease (sneezing, nasal discharge, reduced eggs).

  • Control: Buy disease-free chicks, use medicated feed (Tylan®, Gallimycin®).

D. Fungal Diseases

  • Aspergillosis: Affects lungs due to moldy feed/litter.

  • Control: Keep environment dry and clean.

E. Protozoan Diseases

  • Coccidiosis: Bloody feces, weakness, high mortality.

  • Control: Medicated feed with coccidiostat (e.g., Amprolium), clean pens.

F. Parasitic Diseases

  • Internal Parasites: Worms cause weight loss, anemia.

    • Control: Regular deworming (Piperazine, Fenbendazole).

  • External Parasites: Mites and lice cause scaly legs, irritation.

    • Control: Dusting, insecticides, oil treatments.

G. Non-Infectious Conditions

  • Bumblefoot: Caused by injury and infection (Staphylococcus).

    • Treat by cleaning, draining pus, applying antibiotic ointment.

  • Metabolic Disorders: Fatty liver, rickets, cage layer fatigue.

  • Environmental Problems: Cannibalism due to stress or overcrowding.

🔹 VII. Final Tips for Poultry Farmers

  • Always practice biosecurity — limit visitors and clean equipment.

  • Observe birds daily for early signs.

  • Provide proper feed, water, ventilation, and light.

  • Use antibiotics only under a vet’s supervision.

  • Prevention is better than cure!