A Poultry Health
Update
Presented By:
Adam Hady
Agriculture Agent
Richland County UWEX
11/06
Topics of the Presentation
 Avian
Influenza
 Mites
and Lice
 Respiratory
Diseases
 Establishing
a Biosecurity plan
Avian Influenza
 What
 Why
is it?
are we so
concerned?
Low Path AI
 Mild
or no clinical signs in poultry
 Decreased egg production
 Mild respiratory signs: cough, sneeze
 Feces, ocular, oral and nasal secretions
 Bird-to-bird or contaminated equipment
 Diagnosis:


Virus isolation
Serology
Source: AVIAN INFLUENZA / “BIRD FLU”,
High Path AI
 Sudden
death without clinical signs
Source: AVIAN INFLUENZA / “BIRD FLU”,
High Path AI
 Decreased
activity and decreased feed
consumption
F.A.O.- Italy
Source: AVIAN INFLUENZA / “BIRD FLU”,
High Path AI
 Decreased
egg production
 Soft-shelled or misshapen eggs
Source: AVIAN INFLUENZA / “BIRD FLU”,
High Path AI
 Swelling
of head, eyelids, comb,
wattles and hocks
Source: AVIAN INFLUENZA / “BIRD FLU”,
High Path AI
 Purple
discoloration (cyanosis and
hemorrhage) of wattle, comb and legs
Source: AVIAN INFLUENZA / “BIRD FLU”,
High Path AI
 Nasal
discharge, coughing, sneezing
 Lack of coordination
 Diarrhea
F.A.O.- Italy
Source: AVIAN INFLUENZA / “BIRD FLU”,
Gross Lesions HPAI

Vesicles and ulcers
on comb

Facial edema
Source: AVIAN INFLUENZA / “BIRD FLU”,
Gross Lesions HPAI
• Hemorrhage throughout
internal body organs and
fat
Source: AVIAN INFLUENZA / “BIRD FLU”,
Gross Lesions HPAI
• Hemorrhage throughout
internal body organs
and fat
Source: AVIAN INFLUENZA / “BIRD FLU”,
Other Health Concerns
 Mites
& Lice
Mites & Lice
 Mites
Size: 1 millimeter in diameter
Color: Dark Reddish Black
Egg Color & Location:
White to off-white along the feather shaft
Mites live on the host and in the environment
Mites & Lice

Lice
Size: 2-3 millimeters long
Color: Light Brown
Egg Color & Location:
White and at the base of the
feather
Lice only live on the host,
and appear to be fast
moving.
Mites & Lice
Symptoms:




Decreased Food Intake
Decreased Egg Production
Decreased Weight Gain
Increased Susceptibility to Other Diseases
If any of these symptoms are observed a visual inspection around
the vent for lice or mites is recommended.
Mites & Lice
 Treatment


Sanitation and cleanliness are keys to control
Chemical control:
• Dust bath with Sevin®
• Pyrethrin-Based spray
• Ivermectin medication
Respiratory Diseases
 These
are some of the most common
diseases of poultry.
 They
cause a wide variety of impact on the
flock, from production loss to mortality.
Respiratory Diseases
There are many causes
and is very common
Signs:
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Discharge from the
eyes and nostrils
Respiratory Diseases
 Causes:




Viruses
Bacteria
Parasites (such as the gapeworm)
High ammonia levels
Respiratory Diseases
 Vectors:




Other Chickens
Rodents
Manure
Dust
Backyard Biosecurity
 What
is Biosecurity
Measures that are taken to prevent the transfer
of diseases from place to place and animal to
animal.
Six Steps To Biosecurity
1. Keep Your Distance
2. Keep It Clean
3. Don’t Haul Disease Home
4. Don’t Borrow Disease
5. Be Informed
6. Report Sick Birds
Biosecurity Plan
 What

A biosecurtiy plan is written document that
outline procedures for preventing and
handling diseases.
 Are

is it?
they practical for me?
Yes, no matter what your size of operation it is
worth taking time to look at how to minimize
disease threats.
Building a Biosecurity Plan
 The

first step:
What am I currently doing?
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Housing
Feeders and Waterers- how are they located?
What kinds of birds are commingled?
What age groups of birds do I have?
What are my feed sources?
How do I bring new birds into the flock?
How do I handle dead birds?
Etc.
Building a Biosecurity Plan
 Step


Number Two:
Identify the areas where diseases could be
introduced
Identify areas where cross contamination
could occur.
Building a Bio Security Plan
 Step

Outline ways that you could prevent
contamination from your list in step #2
 Step

Number Three
Number 4
Follow your Plan
References

AVIAN INFLUENZA / “BIRD FLU”, PowerPoint presentation by Ron
Kean , UW-Extension Poultry Specialist, 2006

“Common External Parasites in Poultry: Lice and Mites” Ohio State
University Fact Sheet

“Backyard Biosecurity Practices to Keep Your Birds Healthy” UDSA/
APHIS publication May 2004

American Poultry Association Website:
http://www.amerpoultryassn.com/
Questions ???