Poultry Diseases

and Other Health Problems

There are a number of health problems and poultry diseases that you may encounter at
one time or another. This section of the site contains articles and information about many
of the most common problems. It is divided into sub-categories to help you find the
information
easily.
Examine your bird, then check their symptoms here to get an ideas of what could be wrong
with
them.
Please remember this advice should not replace the advice of a qualified vet - Whilst we
have experience in keeping chickens, waterfowl and a few other types of poultry, we are
not vets!
Worth a mention are "Diseases of Free Range Poultry" and "The Chicken Health Handbook", both
very good books covering just about all diseases and disorders in a non technical way.
Victoria Roberts' book in particular is an excellent read with information aimed at UK
enthusiasts.
Sub-categories:
Red Mites

Articles and information about red mites and how to get rid of them.
Symptoms can include hens off lay, pale combs and wattles and hens not wanting to go
to

roost

in

infected

houses.

Respiratory Problems

Articles and information about respiratory problems in poultry.

Symptoms of typical poultry respiratory problems include: Runny / watery eyes, swollen
sinusses, wheezing, sneezing, gurgling / rattling, and difficulty breathing.

Digestive System Problems

Information about the digestive system and the problems that can occur in poultry.
Symptoms of typical digestive system problems include: Loss of appitite, a swollen crop,
bad or sweet smelling breath, diarrhea, or messy bottoms.

Reproductive System Problems

Information about the reproductive system and disorders of the reproductive

system, including egg laying problems. Problems with eggs themselves are covered in
the Eggs Category below.
Symptoms of reproductive disorders include infertility, hatching problems, laying
difficulty, swollen abdomen and prolapse.

Egg Problems

Articles and information concerning egg problems

For egg

laying

problems, see

Reproductive System.

Typical egg problems are soft or missing

egg shells, wrinkled or misshaped eggs, watery whites, double or multiple yolks and
worms or blood spots inside eggs.

Skeletal and Muscular Disorders

Articles and information about skeletal and muscular problems in poultry.

Lameness, splayed legs, legs or wings pointing in odd directions, inflamation of joints
are all typical symptoms of skeletal and muscular disorders.

External Problems

Information and articles about problems that affect feathers, beak, skin,
scales, eyes, comb, and nails
Cuts, wounds, feather loss, blindness, external parasites, (with the exception of red
mites which are in a separate section) and other symptoms.

Nervous System Problems

The nervous system is effected by a number of things from nutritional

disorders to beak trimming and diseases such as Marek's disease.

Cardiovascular and Organs

Articles and information about health problems with cardiovascular and

major

organs

in

Symptoms such as rapid un-explained death of a seemingly healthy bird.

poultry.

Categories Of Veterinary Medication In The UK

edicines

for animals in the UK are categorised as follows:

POM-V Prescription Only Medicine

- Vet.

A medicine, to be supplied on prescription. It must be prescribed (orally or in writing) by a

vet to animals under his care following a clinical assessment, and which may be supplied
by a veterinarian or pharmacist in accordance with the prescription.
POM-VPS Prescription Only Medicine

- Vet, Pharmacist or Suitably Qualified Person.

A medicine for food-producing animals (and horses), supplied only on a vets prescription,
which must be prescribed by a vet, pharmacist or SQP (either orally or in writing) and
which must be supplied by one of those groups of people in accordance with the
prescription.
NFA -VPS Non Food Animal

Medicine - Vet, Pharmacist or Suitably Qualified Person.

A medicine for pets that has to be supplied by a vet, pharmacist or Suitably Qualified
Person.

Antibiotic Use In Back Yard Poultry

I am a lay-man when it comes to veterinary science and have no qualifications in this field
so this information should, naturally be taken as a 'view' and part of your overall research
into what is best for your poultry.

ntibiotics

are a fairly common treatment given to poultry on prescription to treat a

variety of infections. Baytril or Tylan are often given to chickens with respiratory problems for
example (and seem to work well for this complaint) but what is the risk is to our health
when we are using antibiotics in animals that are producing food for human consumption?
When we treat our egg or meat producing chickens (or any animal for that matter) with an
antibiotic, it works by killing most of the bacteria that are responsible for the infection which
helps them recover, but unfortunately it doesnt just kill these bacteria. Antibiotics also kill
many (but not all) of the naturally occurring bacteria that live in the chickens gut called
campylobacter.

Breeding and Selection

If you breed poultry then you are probably aware of the term selection process. Like
breeds like is a common phrase you hear so by selecting birds with the best qualities, you
get a greater number of offspring with your desired characteristics. By removing birds with
undesirable qualities from the breeding pen, you are reducing the chances of more of the
same thing appearing in future generations.
Unfortunately, the same rules apply with bacteria. By killing many of the naturally occurring
campylobacter in the chickens gut, we are leaving the campylobacter that are resistant to
the antibiotic to multiply and as we know, like breeds like we are essentially producing
more antibiotic resistant bacteria.
So why is this a problem? Well, if campylobacter gets into your body (from say
contaminated meat), youll probably get a nasty case of food poisoning. When you see
your doctor, he will prescribe an antibiotic that in fact is similar to the antibiotic used on
your poultry. If enough resistance has built up in the campylobacter then (youve guessed
it), it wont be effective.
This is simplified considerably and in reality, it is far more complex than this. Bacteria can
pass genes between their species so other bad boys in the world of bacteria could acquire

these genes. You can imagine how terrible the situation could become. Just as we created
all of these wonderful pure breeds after years of selection, we might end up with a bacteria
or super bug that cant be killed by any of the antibiotics doctors have at their disposal.
This evolution is a serious concern and you will read a good deal about antibiotic resistant
bacteria in the news. It isnt just the antibiotics used in poultry, it is livestock too and many
a dairy is using antibiotics by the bucket-load to treat infection.
Baytril has been banned in US poultry production to try to slow down the evolution of
antibiotic resistant bacteria. Baytril has a similar make-up to the human antibiotic Cipro.
How long will it be before the UK follows I wonder?
If you have unused antibiotics, remember they should not be tipped down the drain
because much of the water we drink from the tap comes from recycled waste water.
My research has certainly opened my eyes to the use of antibiotics in poultry and I have
made a decision not to use antibiotics in future unless I absolutely have to.
Ciprofloxacin resistant Campylobacter spp. in humans: an epidemiological and
laboratory study: http://jac.oxfordjournals.org/content/37/4/747.abstract
References:

Flubenvet 1%- 60g Packs For Worming Chickens

he

backyard poultry market is growing rapidly but many novice poultry owners are

unaware of simple preventative health routines that can significantly improve the health
and wellbeing of their birds.

Worms are not always visible and infection can be

asymptomatic but worms can also affect egg quality and yield - fewer, smaller, paler, brittle
eggs can result. Affected poultry can suffer ill thrift, anaemia and even death. The nonspecific nature of the condition can make it hard for novices to identify.

Sources of Infection
Embryonated worm eggs resist disinfectants and can survive for years.
Sources include:

An infected bird excreting thousands of worm eggs daily

Contaminated soil or litter material

An intermediate host (wild bird, earthworm or beetle)

Fomite transmission: footwear, equipment or other animals.

Free range and deep litter husbandry systems increase exposure to parasitic worms and
may favour worm egg survival. Active infections of the common worms affecting
poultry: Ascaridia (roundworms),Capilliaria (hairworms), Syngamus
trachea (gapeworm), Heterakis (small roundworms) andAmidostomum anseris (gizzard worm) in
geese need to be controlled through effective preventative and strategic de-worming
programmes.
There is more information here on our page about worming poultry.

Where to Buy Flubenvet.

The 60g packs of Flubenvet 1% contain enough to treat around 20 large fowl. They
come with a handy plastic scoop for measuring out the required amount so you don't
need accurate electronic scales as you would with the larger 240g Gamekeeper packs
that are only available from a few suppliers.

Specialist suppliers of pet medication sell Flubenvet. Premixed Flubenvet with Layers
Pellets are also available on Amazon (see advert right) which is an easy way to use
Flubenvet.

Treatment Guidelines
Preventative Health Routines
At each treatment use Flubenvet in feed for 7 days as directed:

Worm all new poultry when introducing to the flock

Before introducing the flock to pasture

The whole flock spring, summer and autumn as a preventive

Available in a 1% 60g pack sufficient to treat around 20 chickens

Active Infections
Random worming may not be effective because worm eggs in the environment are a
source of ongoing infection for a number of years.

Strategic programmes:

Take into account the pre-patent period of common poultry worms

Rely on treating at intervals shorter than the prepatent period until infection
pressure is reduced, as measured by a reduction in faecal eggs per gram (EPG) counts

Once infection pressure is reduced, regular treatment will help keep the level of
adult egg laying worms in the birds to a minimum.

Strategic De-worming
In the face of active infection, at each treatment administer Flubenvet in feed:

There is some information on how to mix flubenvet, so that it will stick to the pellets on
theKeeping Chickens: A Beginners Guide website - the Flubenvet poultry wormer page.
Flubenvet for the domestic poultry keeper:

Made from a licensed formulation specifically for the smaller poultry flock.

Can be supplied through oral prescription by a vet, pharmacist or SQP.

Available in a 60 g pack which can treat around 20 birds for 7 day treatment period.

Simple dosing using supplied scoop - just

one 6 g scoop treats 2 kg of food for chickens or geese, one 6 g scoop treats 3 kg of food
for turkeys.

Kills all stages of common poultry worms.

Zero egg withdrawal during and after treatment for chickens

Contra-indication, Warnings and Precautions:

Birds must not be slaughtered for human consumption during treatment. Treated birds may
be slaughtered for human consumption only after 7 days from the last treatment; the meat
withdrawal time is 7 days. There is no withholding period for chickens producing eggs for
human consumption when the product is used at the recommended inclusion rate; the egg
withdrawal time is zero days.
For Animal Treatment Only. To be supplied only on veterinary prescription - from your
veterinarian, pharmacist or a suitably qualified person.
Keep out of the reach of children. Store in tightly closed, original container below 25C.
Operator warnings:

The product is a powder and mixing may generate dust.

Prepare the product in a well ventilated place.

Do not breath dust.

If accidental inhalation of dust occurs, move to an outdoor area with fresh air.

To avoid accidental inhalation wear a disposable dust mask (that conforms to

European Standard EN149)

Accidental ingestion by humans should be avoided.

Avoid direct skin contact. Wear impervious gloves when mixing and handling the
product.

Wash affected parts if skin contact occurs.

If accidental eye contact occurs, immediately rinse thoroughly with water.

Disposal Advice

Dispose of empty containers in the domestic refuse. Used containers should not be recycled.
For further information contact: Janssen Animal Health, 50-100 Holmers Farm Way, High Wycombe, Bucks,
HP12 4EG, UK. Tel 01494 567555 Fax 01494 567556
EMail ahealth@jacgb.jnj.com Flubenvet 1 % Medicated Premixture is produced from Flubenvet Premix containing
flubendazole 5% w/w Vm 00242/4056

Ivermectin - Used For Worms, Lice And Mites In Chickens

vermectin

is an anti-parasite medication, effective against most worms (not tapeworm),

mites and some lice including scaly leg mite and northern fowl mite. Ivermectin pour-on /
drops is applied to the skin.
Ivermectin Drops are usually sold under the Small Animal Exemption Scheme for use in
rabbits, Guinea Pigs and ornamental birds. Products licensed under the Small Animal
Exemption Scheme are not licensed for use in food producing animals such as chickens
and it is for that reason that there is no information relating to the withdrawal period for eggs or meat following use of
Ivermectin Drops on poultry. Where there is a licenced alternative, vets will prescribe the licenced
product. To treat worms - Flubenvet is the (only) licenced in feed product.

In the absence of licensed alternatives, veterinarians do sometimes

prescribe this product for poultry under their own clinical judgement to treat lice in poultry.
However, it is only a veterinarian who can advise on such use and it would breach of the
veterinary medicines regulations and NOAH code of practice by supporting, or
encouraging the use of this product on a non-target species. It is for this reason that we
are recommending that you seek the advice of your vet before purchasing and using
Ivermectin on your chickens or other poultry. Avermectins are more toxic to waterfowl than
chickens so this is particularly important if you are treating ducks or geese.

Sometimes prescribed by Vets to treat endoparasites (worms) and ectoparasites

(lice and most mites including scaly leg mite). Remember red mite live in the house, so housing
will require alternative treatment.
Formats available: Injectable, oral or drops for skin. Pour on drops are usually prescribed.
Dosage: For the treatment of an existing infestation, repeat doses are required often weekly
three times.
Egg Withdrawal period: As advised by Vet, depends on the strength of solution. Vets
prescribing Ivomec Eprinex usually advise 7 days.
Slaughtering for meat for human consumption: As advised by Vet, depends on the strength of
solution. Vets Prescribing Ivomec Eprinex usually advise 28 days.
Uses:

Category: POM-VPS
Storage:

In original packing below 25C and out of reach of children.

Sold in UK as Ivomec, Xeno 200, Noromectin, Harka Mectin, Heartgard30 and Acarexx.
Wear gloves and wash hands thoroughly with soap and water following treatment
The information given here is the opinion of the authors and should not be considered as
professional advice. Where there is conflicting information, you should always follow the
advice of your vet.

Coxoid - Used To Treat Coccidiosis

occidiosis

is a disease caused by internal parasites called Eimeria. These live inside

the cells that line the birds intestine. As they reproduce, they cause bleeding and swelling
in the intestines. Birds lose a lot of liquid and cannot absorb nutrients from their food and
will soon die if left untreated.

In the absence of licensed alternatives, veterinarians sometimes prescribe

drugs such as Coxoid under the 'cascade' to treat coccidiosis in poultry. However, it is only
a veterinarian who can advise on such use and we would be in breach of the veterinary
medicines regulations and NOAH code of practice by supporting, or encouraging the use
of a product on a non-target species.
Coxoid is marketed under the Small Animal Exemption Scheme which covers small
domestic pets, including birds, however it is not intended for use with animals producing
food. So for chickens producing eggs, it's only your vet who can advise you to use Coxoid
in this way, in the absence of other suitable licenced products.
Coxoid comes as a liquid that is administered diluted with drinking water.
Coxoid contains 3.84% of the drug amprolium hydrochloride which is a structural analogue
of thiamine (vitamin B1). Amprolium hydrochloride mimicks it's structure, inhibiting thiamine
utilisation by the parasite.

The dilution rate of Coxoid to fresh drinking water is 1fl.oz per gallon (6.22ml per
litre or 28ml per 4.5 litres).

Coxoid is normally available in 2 sizes: 112ml and 500ml.

Coxoid should be given for 7 days. An improvement can be expected within 2 days.

Do not allow birds to have access to unmedicated water during treatment.

Store at room temperature.

Coxoid should not be used on birds that are intended for human consumption.