Below are discussed the causes, symptoms, and remedies for some important chicken diseases:
A. Ranikhet/Chuna Haga Disease (New Castle Disease)
Among the infectious diseases of roosters and chickens, Ranikhet is one of the most significant. Young chicks are more susceptible to this disease than adult chickens. The disease was first identified in Newcastle, central England. Later, it was first identified in a place called Ranikhet in India, which is why it is called Ranikhet disease in our country. In rural areas, this disease is called Chuna Haga disease. This disease is more common in our country during winter and spring.
Disease transmission: This disease is caused by the New Castle disease virus. The virus is released through the respiratory secretions and feces of infected or carrier birds, which then enters the body of healthy chickens through the mouth with air or food during inhalation.
Symptoms of the disease
- The affected bird stays in a corner of the house, looking drowsy, separated from the flock.
- The healthy bird suddenly jumps up with a "cock" sound and then dies.
- Symptoms of respiratory distress appear, causing breathing difficulties.
- The neck, wings, and legs become paralyzed. Mucus drips from the nose.
- Due to the affected esophagus, the bird passes white, chalk-like droppings.
- The color of the droppings appears green or a mixture of green and yellow.
- Egg production in chickens decreases. It may even stop completely.
- The eyes swell, and the earlobes and comb on the head turn a dark color.
- The neck becomes twisted, the head spins, and the bird walks with a limp.
- Foul-smelling, thin droppings stick to the feathers on the back of the chicken. This is also called Chuna Haga.
Treatment/Prevention
The disease can be prevented by maintaining hygienic conditions and vaccination. Two types of vaccines for Ranikhet disease are available. The two vaccines are:
(a) BCRDV (Baby Chick Ranikhet Disease Vaccine-BCRDV): Each vial of this vaccine powder contains 1 ml of the original vaccine powder. The vaccine powder must be mixed well with 6 ml of filtered water. Then, one drop must be given in each eye of every chick at 7 and 21 days of age. The effectiveness of this vaccine lasts for more than two months.
(b) RDV (Ranikhet Disease Vaccine-RDV): This vaccine powder comes in a white glass ampoule at a rate of 0.3 cc. This is mixed with 100 cc of filtered water to make 100 doses. This vaccine is given to every chicken over two months of age. The vaccine should be given every 6 months.
Remedies for the disease
- Sick birds should be kept separate from healthy birds for treatment.
- The droppings should be buried in a place where they will not spread.
- Give an antibiotic like Oxytetracycline, which can be beneficial.
- Water mixed with potassium permanganate can be given to both sick and healthy chickens.
b. Fowl Pox
Cause of the disease:
This is a contagious disease caused by the Avian Herpes virus. It affects chickens and pigeons of any age. However, the mortality rate is higher in younger birds. In our country, the disease is more prevalent during the rainy and winter seasons. The germs of this disease spread from one place to another through contact with infected birds and through the air.
Symptoms of the disease
Initially, small pox-like bumps appear on the comb, wattle, and feet.
If the area around the eyes is affected, the eyes may become partially or completely closed.
In the early stages, the bumps are red and later turn black.
If the attack is severe, the young chicks may die.
Sores often form inside the mouth, making it difficult for the chicken to eat.
Saliva secretes from the eyes and nose, and the eyes swell and become hard.
If the trachea is affected, the chicken experiences shortness of breath.
Prevention/Treatment:
Timely vaccination should be given. The pox bumps or sores should be washed 2-3 times a day with Dettol, Iodine, or Potassium Permanganate water. Infected chickens must be kept separate from healthy ones. The chicken coop should be cleaned and washed with disinfectant regularly. Dead chickens should be buried in the ground. Applying Renamycin ointment to the affected area will help the sores heal quickly.
c. Bird Flu (Avian influenza/ Bird Flu)
Avian influenza or bird flu is currently a serious infectious disease for poultry. The disease is widespread globally. Currently, this disease is a serious threat to the poultry industry. The disease was first identified in Hong Kong in 1968. In Bangladesh, the disease was first detected in 2007 at the Biman Poultry Complex in Savar, Dhaka.
Cause of the disease:
Bird flu is caused by the "Avian Influenza" virus. There are two types or strains of this virus, namely: subtype H5, and H7.The disease spreads through infected birds and other equipment used on the farm.
Symptoms of the disease
The infected bird becomes very weak and its feathers are ruffled.
It loses appetite and egg-laying decreases.
The eyes become red and swell all around, and the eyes close.
Water accumulates and swells the head, comb, and wattle, etc.
If the respiratory system is affected, water comes out of the nose and mouth.
Disease Prevention/Remedies
Give a disease-preventive vaccine on time. A one-day-old chick should be given one drop in the eye and a 1 cc bird flu injection under the skin in any other case. Clean the affected area with a disinfectant. Bury the dead affected bird under the ground. Adopt a clean and tidy rearing system, strengthen biosecurity, and follow hygiene rules.
d. Gumboro Disease in Chickens
Cause of the disease:
This disease was first discovered in 1962 near the town of Gumboro in the United States. It is a highly contagious disease caused by the Birna virus. The other name for this disease is Infectious Bursal Disease. In our country, this disease was first seen in 1992.
Disease transmission:
The disease is transmitted through contact with infected chickens, through the air, contaminated utensils, foreign birds, droppings, and contaminated food.
Symptoms of the disease:
The feathers of the infected bird appear ruffled.
The bird stops eating and sits quietly in a corner of the room.
It has very foul-smelling, watery diarrhea. The vent of the chicken is always dirty with droppings.
The chicken lies on the ground and dies due to dehydration.
In broilers, the rate of physical growth decreases significantly.
The body temperature first increases and then drops below normal.
White mucus and blood are found in the droppings.
Prevention/Treatment of the disease:
The disease can be prevented by following health rules and giving vaccinations. The Gumboro vaccine should be administered within 14 days of birth. When the chicks are 14 days old, they should be given vitamins and saline every two days for up to 3 months. The chicken farm must be hygienic and clean.
e. Fowl Cholera
Cause of the disease:
This is a deadly bacterial infectious disease caused by Pasteurella multocida. It can affect ducks and chickens of any age at any time of the year. The disease infects healthy birds through the feces and other secretions of carrier birds, as well as through contaminated food, water, and the environment.
Symptoms of the disease:
The infected chicken develops green or yellow diarrhea. The chicken's comb, wattles, and earlobes turn bluish.
In severe cases, there is fever, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, and sudden death.
Saliva drips from the nose and mouth, and water flows from the eyes. The chicken's feathers become ruffled.
The chicken stops eating and becomes drowsy. The chicken's face, comb on the head, and eyes become swollen.
Most of the chickens on the farm die within 2-3 days.
Remedy/Treatment for the disease:
Follow biosecurity and hygienic rules of the farm. Separate sick birds from healthy birds. Arrange for preventive vaccines for fowl cholera. Dead birds must be buried in the ground. Enro-10, 0.5 ml per liter of water, should be mixed and given for 3 days.
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