INFECTIOUS CORYZA IN POULTRY
What causes this disease?
The bacterium causing this disease is known as Hemophilus paragallinarum.
Transmission
- The disease spreads from bird to bird and flock to flock by contact and airborne infected dust particles and via the drinking water.
- Spread by equipment and personnel has also been reported.
- The incubation period varies from 1 to 3 days.
Clinical signs of the disease
- The main signs of the disease are inflammation of eyes and nose with foul-smelling discharges, conjunctivitis, sneezing and facial swellings. Feed and water intake is reduced, leading to loss of weight. Egg production in laying birds will drop.
- Mortality will vary with the virulence of the infection but is generally low
Treatment and Control
- Treatment with antibiotics can be given to subdue clinical infection, but eradication and prevention are the most desirable means of control.
- Vaccines have been developed, but are only used in areas where the disease is endemic and cannot be eradicated.