Written by: Dr. Jacquie Jacob, University of Kentucky
There are many common diseases that can affect a bird’s respiratory system—the system that includes the trachea, lungs, and air sacs. Respiratory disease can result from viral, bacterial, fungal, and mycoplasmal infections. Note that some diseases that affect the respiratory system can also affect the nervous system.
VIRAL INFECTIONS
Antibiotics do NOT work against viruses. It is important, therefore, to keep viruses off the farm through effective management and biosecurity and the use of vaccination when necessary.
Avian Influenza
Clinical signs of Avian Influenza include the following:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Rales
- Swelling of the face and/or wattles
- Bluish-purple discoloration of the face
- General diarrhea
- Red or white spots on the legs and comb
- Conjunctivitis
Fowl Pox
Clinical signs of Fowlpox include the following:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Rales
- Gasping
- Discharge from the eyes
- Retarded growth
- Warts or scabs
Infectious Bronchitis
Clinical signs of Infectious Bronchitis in chickens include the following:
- Rales
- Gasping
- Discharge from the eyes
- Discharge from the nose
- Reduced egg production
- Production of thin-shelled eggs
Quail Bronchitis
Clinical signs of Quail Bronchitis in Bobwhite Quail include the following:
- Rales
- Sneezing
- Gasping
- Discharge from the eyes
- Inflammation of the eye
- Loose, watery diarrhea
Laryngotracheitis
Clinical signs of Laryngotracheitis in chickens include the following:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Shaking head
- Rales
- Gasping
- Discharge from the eyes
- Discharge from the nose
- Swelling of the face and/or wattles
- Retarded growth
- General diarrhea
- Conjunctivitis
- Prostration
Newcastle Disease
Clinical signs of Newcastle Disease include the following:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Shaking head
- Rales
- Gasping
- Discharge from the eyes
- Discharge from the nose
- Swelling of the face and/or wattles
- Bluish-purple discoloration of the face
- Retarded growth
- General diarrhea
- Green watery diarrhea
- Twisting of the head and neck (torticollis)
- Conjunctivitis
- Prostration
BACTERIAL INFECTIONS
Antibiotics are available to combat bacterial infections. It is important to use the correct antibiotics at the correct dosage and for the prescribed period of time.
Infectious Coryza
Clinical signs of Infectious Coryza in chickens include the following:
- Sneezing
- Shaking head
- Rales
- Discharge from the eyes
- Discharge from the nose
- Swelling of the face and/or wattles
- Retarded growth
- General diarrhea
- Conjunctivitis
Fowl Cholera
Clinical signs of Fowl Cholera include the following:
- Darkened head
- Swollen head and wattles
- Paralysis
- Reduced egg production
Colibacillosis
Clinical signs of Colibacillosis include the following:
- Failure to thrive
- Diarrhea
- Respiratory problems
- Lameness
Bordetellosis
Clinical signs of Bordetellosis in turkeys, which usually manifest when birds are two to six weeks of age, include the following:
- Sneezing
- Open-mouthed breathing
- Swollen eyes
FUNGAL INFECTIONS
Aspergillosis
Clinical signs of Aspergillosis include the following:
- Gasping
- Bluish-purple discoloration of the face
- Paralysis
- Twisting of the head and neck (torticollis)
MYCOPLASMA INFECTIONS
Mycoplasmas are bacteria that lack a cell wall.
Mycoplasma gallisepticum
Clinical signs of infection of Mycoplasma gallisepticum include the following:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Shaking of the head
- Rales
- Gasping
- Discharge from the eyes
- Discharge from the nose
- Swelling of the face and/or wattles
- Retarded growth
- General diarrhea
- Prostration
Mycoplasma synoviae
Clinical signs of infection by Mycoplasma synoviae include the following:
- Sneezing
- Shaking of the head
- Rales
- Discharge from the eyes
- Discharge from the nose
- Swelling of the face and/or wattles
- Retarded growth
- Lameness
- Green, watery diarrhea
- Swollen joints
Mycoplasma meleagridis
Clinical signs of infection by Mycoplasma meleagridis include the following:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Rales
- Retarded growth
- Twisting of the head and neck (torticollis)