Poultry health is a critical aspect of the agricultural industry, impacting not only the well-being of the birds but also the profitability and sustainability of poultry farming. Healthy poultry ensures a reliable source of protein for the global population, economic stability for farmers, and overall food security. This blog delves  into the importance of maintaining good poultry health, the challenges faced, and effective strategies to ensure optimal health in poultry populations.

There are many phases of production in the chicken industry, ranging from breeding farms and processing facilities to feed factories and hatcheries. There are several different species of poultry in the area, including geese, ducks, turkeys, and chickens. Regarding poultry species, the chicken is the most common breed worldwide, accounting for almost 90% of the total area.

Infraheat poultry can become ill from various bacterial, viral and parasitic pathogens. However, like dogs and cats, chickens are considered food animals and therefore the types of treatments available are very limited. For example, there are very strict regulations regarding the use of antibiotics in poultry that are considered clinically important in humans to reduce antibiotic resistance. Because of this reality, treating your chickens for infectious diseases can be extremely challenging. Thus, the best course of action is to stop the disease from ever entering the herd. By following some basic disease prevention practices before and after the arrival of a new flock or bird, you can reduce the likelihood of flock infection, as well as the severity and impact of infection.

Common Diseases in Poultry Farming

1. Fowl Cholera

Pasteurella multocida is the causative agent of Fowl Cholera, a persistent illness that can impact the joints, wattles, sinuses, and other tissues. Loss of appetite, greenish-tinged diarrhoea, ruffled feathers, swelling purple wattle, swollen comb, swollen joints, lameness, discharge from the mouth, nose, and eyes, and abrupt death are typical signs. Fowl cholera is more common in older chickens and affects more cocks than hens.

2. The cholera virus

Chickens with a particular area of their intestines are damaged by the Coccidian protozoa that cause the parasitic disease coccidiosis. The sporulated oocyst that chickens eat causes problems because it is broken down by chemicals in the stomach, releasing an infectious sporocyst. This is the beginning of the life cycle that causes intestinal cells to die. It results in a lack of appetite, diarrhoea, ruffled feathers, weight loss, impaired food absorption, and harm to the gut walls.

3. Influenza in Avian

Orthomyxoviruses of type A are the cause of avian influenza. They are frequently discovered and dispersed by aquatic wild birds that infect poultry raised for food. Bird flu symptoms include nasal discharge, oedema in the comb and wattles, purple discolouration, ruffled feathers, coughing, and sneezing. Bird flu is lethal once it spreads.

4. Chicken Pox

Often called Avian Pox, Fowl Pox is extremely contagious. When chickens get Avian Pox, they might get it in two different forms:

• Wet-pox

Wart-like lumps that are noticeable on the comb and wattle are the characteristic symptoms. Young birds also had stunted growth and decreased egg output.

5. Newcastle's illness

Newcastle disease is a severe respiratory illness that quickly spreads. The disease's symptoms vary based on whether the invading virus prefers to attack the neurological, digestive, or respiratory systems. Both domestic and wild fowl can be affected, but domestic poultry is far more likely to experience severe symptoms.

6. The salmonellosis

In young hens, enteritis and septicemia can be brought on by the bacterial disease salmonellosis. Oral infections have a low fatality rate and can be transmitted by rats. Salmonellosis symptoms include wrinkled feathers, dejection, loss of appetite, thirst, diarrhoea, and closed eyes.

Key Principles of Poultry Health Management

1) High-quality poultry feed

Ensure the food your poultry eats is catered to their particular requirements and is nutritionally balanced. Usually, a combination of quality grains, proteins, vitamins, and minerals are included in this. To develop an appropriate chicken feed, consult with a veterinarian or poultry nutritionist.

2) The Management and Care of Poultry

Keep the housing for the poultry fresh and clean regularly to reduce the likelihood of illness and insects. Eliminate excrement, swap out the bedding, and ensure sufficient ventilation to prevent dangerous germs or ammonia accumulation.

3) Employ Biosecurity Procedures

Implement stringent biosecurity procedures to stop the entry and spread of pathogens. This includes limiting foot showers or sanitising stations, limiting visitors, and limiting access to your chicken farm. When you add a new one to the current flock you should place them in quarantine.

4) Supply Pure Water

Make sure that your poultry has access to fresh, clean water at all times. Water containers should be often inspected and cleaned to stop the formation of microbes or algae. Digestion, general health, and egg production all depend on enough hydration.

5) Prevention and Control of Poultry Diseases

Keep a watch for unusual behaviours or symptoms of sickness in your poultry. Be alert for any changes in appetite, behaviour, or physical appearance. Early detection and treatment of poultry diseases lowers the chance of additional spread and possible mortality by enabling timely veterinarian intervention.

When you detect a disease problem in your flock.

1. Immediately take action to reduce the spread of disease.

If you are experiencing that your flock is infected with a disease, performing to contain it will lessen its impact and enable you to eliminate it sooner. To stop the disease from infecting more birds both in your flock and in flocks across the industry adopt the following preventative measures. 

2. Take the sick bird or birds and separate them from the flock 

Until you can speak with a veterinarian, do not permit any person or any kind of equipment to come into touch with your flock or property. After coming into contact with the sick bird(s) or its surroundings, wash and sanitise your clothes and shoes. You must repeat these steps each time you come into contact with the infected birds again.

You can take a lot of other precautions to lessen your birds' risk of infection. More details about protecting your flock with a security plan a grouping of measures designed expressly to stop the spread of disease can be obtained with the help of Solman healthcare 

The importance of poultry health cannot be overstated. It is important for the welfare of the birds, the profitability of the poultry industry, and the quality of chicken products. By adopting comprehensive health management strategies, including vaccination, biosecurity, nutrition management, regular health monitoring, and environmental control, farmers can ensure the well-being of their flocks. Investing in high-quality poultry health products further supports these efforts, Solman Healthcare is leading to a thriving and sustainable poultry industry. For poultry health product manufacturers, providing reliable and effective solutions is key to supporting farmers in their quest for optimal poultry health.