Poultry farming can be a highly rewarding venture, but it also comes with challenges—especially when it comes to disease control. Poultry are susceptible to a range of diseases that can affect their growth, egg production, and overall health. Effective disease management is crucial for maintaining a productive and profitable flock.
In this post, we’ll cover some of the most common poultry diseases and how to prevent them.
1. Newcastle Disease
Cause: Viral
Symptoms: Sneezing, coughing, greenish diarrhea, nervous signs (twisting of the neck), drop in egg production.
Prevention:
- Vaccination is the most effective method.
- Maintain strict biosecurity.
- Avoid introducing new birds without quarantine.
2. Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
Cause: Viral
Symptoms: Sudden death, swelling of head and neck, respiratory distress, reduced egg production.
Prevention:
- Enforce strict farm hygiene.
- Limit farm access to outsiders and wild birds.
- Report any suspected cases immediately to veterinary authorities.
3. Infectious Bursal Disease (Gumboro Disease)
Cause: Viral
Symptoms: Ruffled feathers, diarrhea, dehydration, vent picking, high mortality in young birds.
Prevention:
- Timely vaccination, especially in broilers.
- Clean and disinfect poultry houses regularly.
- Avoid overcrowding.
4. Coccidiosis
Cause: Parasitic (protozoa)
Symptoms: Blood in droppings, lethargy, poor growth, weight loss.
Prevention:
- Use medicated feed with coccidiostats.
- Keep litter dry and clean.
- Rotate pastures or use deep litter systems properly.
5. Fowl Pox
Cause: Viral
Symptoms: Wart-like lesions on comb, wattles, and sometimes in the mouth; reduced appetite.
Prevention:
- Vaccination at 6–8 weeks of age.
- Control mosquito populations, which spread the virus.
- Isolate affected birds.
6. Marek’s Disease
Cause: Viral (Herpesvirus)
Symptoms: Paralysis of legs and wings, weight loss, tumors in internal organs.
Prevention:
- Vaccinate chicks on day 1.
- Maintain a clean brooding environment.
- Practice good hygiene and sanitation.
7. Salmonellosis
Cause: Bacterial
Symptoms: Diarrhea, dehydration, decreased appetite, death in chicks.
Prevention:
- Use clean water and feed.
- Regularly clean feeders and drinkers.
- Control rodents and flies.
- Buy chicks from disease-free hatcheries.
General Disease Prevention Tips
- ✅ Biosecurity First: Limit farm visitors and disinfect vehicles and footwear.
- ✅ Quarantine New Birds: Observe new or returning birds for 2–3 weeks before introducing them to your flock.
- ✅ Clean Environment: Regularly remove manure and keep litter dry.
- ✅ Proper Nutrition: Well-balanced feed improves immunity and overall bird health.
- ✅ Vaccination Schedule: Follow a recommended vaccination schedule for your flock size and breed.
Final Thoughts
Disease prevention in poultry farming is not just about reacting to outbreaks—it’s about being proactive with biosecurity, sanitation, vaccination, and good management practices. Healthy birds mean higher productivity and lower costs in the long run.
Stay informed, stay prepared, and your flock will thrive.
