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Viral Diseases

Avian Encephalomyelitis in Backyard Poultry

Avian encephalomyelitis (AE) is seen in chickens, turkeys, pheasants, and quail. It primarily affects chicks 1–3 weeks old. Nearly all commercial flocks are infected, but clinical disease is low because of maternal antibodies. AE can be transmitted vertically in eggs laid between 5 and 13 days after infection and is an enteric infection under natural conditions. The spread is more rapid in floor-raised birds than in cage-raised birds. There is no treatment, and vaccination of breeders (both chicken and turkey) for maternal antibodies to protect the young during early life is critical to prevention. Because many specialty breeders, particularly those that sell stock to an intermediate supplier, do not vaccinate, AE is a fairly common viral disease in backyard poultry.Vaccination should be given after 8 weeks of age but by at least 4 weeks before production.

Avian Influenza in Backyard Poultry

Avian influenza (AI) is a highly contagious respiratory viral disease that affects both domestic and wild birds. AI viruses are classified into two pathotypes: low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI), which typically causes few to no clinical signs in poultry, and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), which typically causes high mortality. Waterfowl and shorebirds, such as ducks and geese, are natural hosts for the AI virus, and these birds can shed the virus, often without showing any signs of illness or deaths.

Backyard poultry are just as susceptible to AI infection, if not at higher risk. Many backyard flocks are kept outdoors, free-ranging, have multiple ages and sources of birds, and have less strict standards for biosecurity compared with commercial flocks. This results in mixing with other poultry within the flock and higher risk of contact with wild waterfowl, creating favorable conditions for disease spread within and between flocks. Many studies show that the backyard flocks with more types of poultry

Parasitism

As in other species, the common parasites in poultry are mites, lice, ticks, worms, and protozoa.

Two common mites of poultry are the Northern fowl mite (Ornithonyssus sylviarum) and the red mite . The Northern fowl mite is most commonly found around the vent, tail, and breast. These mites are easily observed as small, reddish-brown flecks. Red mites (Dermanyssus gallinae) feed only at night, making daytime diagnosis difficult. They can be found in cracks and seams near bedding areas and appear like flea dust or salt and pepper–like deposits. Red mites cause feather loss, irritation, and anemia.

Several types of lice live on poultry, and lice or nits (egg packets of lice) can be seen at the base of the feathers. In severe infestations, growth and egg production can be affected. Insecticides are available for treatment.

Fowl ticks comprise a group of soft ticks that parasitize many species of poultry and wild birds. Ticks are easily missed, because they spend relatively little time on the bird. Heavy infestations can cause anemia or tick paralysis, and ticks can be vectors for Borrelia anserina(spirochetosis). Spraying of buildings with insecticide is the treatment of choice.

Roundworms and tapeworms are the most common internal poultry parasites and are generally the result of soil contamination and poor management. Unless infestations are heavy, clinical disease is usually not evident. A f***l examination should be performed before treatment to assess levels of infestation (and monitor effectiveness of treatment), because most domestic poultry will have some degree of internal parasitism. Piperazine can be used for roundworms, although its effectiveness can be minimal and drug resistance is a problem; off-label fenbendazole or levamisole can be used for tapeworms. These compounds should not be used in laying hens. Proper litter management will reduce parasite loads and reinfection.

As in commercial poultry production, control ofcoccidia is one of

IMPORTANT FOR POUTRY FARMERS

LAYERS VERSUS BROILERS. (Please don't just read. ALSO SHARE 🙏)

This is a common question among poultry farmers, especially with beginners. And sometimes they make wrong decisions due to lack of beginners' guide in poultry farming, which may lead to frustration and regret. So, to avoid such, you have to do some proper research for rearing layers and broilers.

Examples of layers are Hubbard, Shavers, Babcock , Isabrown, and Hyline.
Examples of broiler are Cornish cross, ROSS 308, Marshall and Cobb.

ISABROWN is the most sort layers that produce many, large and brown eggs and good body size at end of lay.
ROSS 308 is a white broilers with heavy breast meat, long tibia, and shanks are mostly preferred.

Next, you have to know the differences between layers and broilers for better decision making.

1.Layers are reared mainly for egg production, while broilers are reared mainly for meat.

2. A layer produce more eggs without growing too much (upon 72 weeks). A broiler yield more meat and hence they grow very fast ( can attain market size at 6-7 weeks)

3. Layers require enough space and adequate lighting, while broilers require conditions to grow fast and low mortality

4. Layers require restricted and calculated feed, while broilers feed requirement is rich in protein and vitamins.

5. In Layers, recovery from a loss is time and money consuming, while recovery from a loss is easier with broilers because you can easily start another circle of production due to their fast growth rate.

6. You can make more profit with few broilers, while you require a larger number of layers to make a profit.

You don’t choose layers, or broilers based on your likeness or sentiments, there are several factors you have to consider before making your choice. And again, you have to understand their differences in terms of growth rate, egg production, and resistance to diseases, Market demands, etc to enable you to make an informed decision.

A Christmas melon is generally considered safe for consumption by poultry, its use and dosage may vary depending on factors such as the age, species, and health status of the birds, as well as the specific purpose for which it's being administered. Seek advice from a veterinarian or poultry specialist who can provide informed guidance on the use of Christmas melon and its potential benefits or risks for your flock. Keep a close eye on your birds' health and behavior after administering Christmas melon to assess its effectiveness and any potential adverse reactions.
Always provide fresh, clean Christmas melon and avoid any moldy or spoiled portions. Monitor the birds for any signs of digestive upset or other adverse effects. Follow any dosage recommendations or guidelines provided by your veterinarian or poultry expert to ensure safe and effective use of Christmas melon as a dietary supplement.