A Poultry Health Update

1
A Poultry Health Update

• Presented By
• Adam Hady
• Agriculture Agent
• Richland County UWEX
• 11/06

2
Topics of the Presentation

• Avian Influenza
• Mites and Lice
• Respiratory Diseases
• Establishing a Biosecurity plan

3
Avian Influenza

• What is it?
• Why are we so concerned?

4
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,
5
High Path AI

• Sudden death without clinical signs

Source AVIAN INFLUENZA / BIRD FLU,
6
High Path AI

• Decreased activity and decreased feed consumption

F.A.O.- Italy
Source AVIAN INFLUENZA / BIRD FLU,
7
High Path AI

• Decreased egg production
• Soft-shelled or misshapen eggs

Source AVIAN INFLUENZA / BIRD FLU,
8
High Path AI

• Swelling of head, eyelids, comb, wattles and hocks

Source AVIAN INFLUENZA / BIRD FLU,
9
High Path AI

• Purple discoloration (cyanosis and hemorrhage) of
  wattle, comb and legs

Source AVIAN INFLUENZA / BIRD FLU,
10
High Path AI

• Nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing
• Lack of coordination
• Diarrhea

F.A.O.- Italy
Source AVIAN INFLUENZA / BIRD FLU,
11
Gross Lesions HPAI

• Vesicles and ulcers on comb
• Facial edema

Source AVIAN INFLUENZA / BIRD FLU,
12
Gross Lesions HPAI

• Hemorrhage throughout internal body organs and
  fat

Source AVIAN INFLUENZA / BIRD FLU,
13
Gross Lesions HPAI

• Hemorrhage throughout internal body organs
• and fat

Source AVIAN INFLUENZA / BIRD FLU,
14
Other Health Concerns

• Mites Lice

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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

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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.

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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.

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Mites Lice

• Treatment
• Sanitation and cleanliness are keys to control
• Chemical control
• Dust bath with Sevin
• Pyrethrin-Based spray
• Ivermectin medication

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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.

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Respiratory Diseases

• There are many causes and is very common
• Signs
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Discharge from the eyes and nostrils

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Respiratory Diseases

• Causes
• Viruses
• Bacteria
• Parasites (such as the gapeworm)
• High ammonia levels

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Respiratory Diseases

• Vectors
• Other Chickens
• Rodents
• Manure
• Dust

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Backyard Biosecurity

• What is Biosecurity
• Measures that are taken to prevent the transfer
  of diseases from place to place and animal to
  animal.

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Six Steps To Biosecurity

• 1. Keep Your Distance
• 2. Keep It Clean
• 3. Dont Haul Disease Home
• 4. Dont Borrow Disease
• 5. Be Informed
• 6. Report Sick Birds

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Biosecurity Plan

• What is it?
• A biosecurtiy plan is written document that
  outline procedures for preventing and handling
  diseases.
• Are 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.

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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.

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Building a Biosecurity Plan

• Step Number Two
• Identify the areas where diseases could be
  introduced
• Identify areas where cross contamination could
  occur.

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Building a Bio Security Plan

• Step Number Three
• Outline ways that you could prevent
  contamination from your list in step 2
• Step Number 4
• Follow your Plan

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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/

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Questions ???