Jake Harper
Respiratory infections are common in chickens and can be caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, or fungi. While they are often not life-threatening, they can be dangerous and require early treatment as recovery is rare without intervention. Symptoms of respiratory infections in chickens include persistent sneezing, listlessness, lethargy, diarrhea, noisy or laboured breathing, cyanosis, abnormal behaviour, conjunctivitis, swollen sinuses, coughing, and wheezing. If you suspect your chicken has a respiratory infection, it is important to seek veterinary advice, as some infections can spread quickly and be difficult to control.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Virus, bacteria, parasites, or fungal agents |
| Common bacteria | Mycoplasma gallisepticum, Chlamydophila psittaci, Pasteurella multocida, Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale |
| Common viruses | Avian Influenza, Avian Tuberculosis, Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV) |
| Symptoms | Sneezing, coughing, wheezing, noisy breathing, lethargy, diarrhea, cyanosis, abnormal behaviour, gasping, facial swelling, conjunctivitis, decreased egg production, egg quality issues, nasal discharge, bubbling eyes, swollen sinuses |
| Treatment | Antibiotics, proper coop management, preventative care, vaccination, veterinary care |
| Prevention | Quarantine, good ventilation, clean and dry litter, avoiding stress and overcrowding, good nutrition |
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What You'll Learn
Common causes of respiratory infections in chickens
Respiratory tract infections are common in birds, affecting either the upper or lower respiratory tract. The most widespread respiratory illness in chickens is CRD, caused by the bacteria Microplasma gallisepticum. However, other respiratory illnesses such as laryngitis, bronchitis, tracheitis, and pneumonia are also common. These illnesses require specific treatments, so it is important to seek a diagnosis from a veterinarian, preferably an avian or poultry vet.
The most common causes of respiratory infections in chickens include bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungal agents. For example, Mycoplasma gallisepticum is a common bacterium that can cause respiratory disease when chickens are under stress. Chlamydophila psittaci is another bacterium commonly found around exotic pet birds, and it causes avian chlamydiosis in chickens. Pasteurella multocida, transmitted through predator attacks, can result in fowl cholera. Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale is a bacterium that causes ornithobacteriosis in avian species worldwide.
In addition to bacteria, viruses can also cause respiratory infections in chickens. Avian influenza, for instance, is a viral disease that can be spread by contact with wild birds or exposure to bird feeders. Newcastle disease is another viral illness that can cause respiratory symptoms and diarrhea in mild strains, while severe strains can lead to paralysis and sudden death. Infectious bronchitis, caused by the infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), is a fast-acting and highly infectious coronavirus.
Parasites, such as the coccidian protozoa parasite Cryptosporidium, can also lead to respiratory infections in chickens. This parasite has been associated with respiratory, urinary tract, and gastrointestinal diseases in infected birds, causing cryptosporidiosis.
Fungal agents, like the Aspergillus fungus, can cause respiratory infections in chickens as well. It is challenging to treat successfully due to its rapid spread throughout the respiratory system and other organs.
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Signs and symptoms of respiratory infections
Respiratory infections are the second most common reason for backyard chickens to visit the vet. They can be challenging to control and even more difficult to diagnose.
Respiratory tract infections can affect the upper or lower respiratory tract and can be caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, or fungi. The type and severity of the infection depend on the cause, the length of the infection, and the bird's immune status.
Some common signs and symptoms of respiratory infections in chickens include:
- Sneezing, coughing, and wheezing: Unlike humans, chickens do not catch colds or flus, so respiratory symptoms usually indicate something more serious.
- Noisy or difficult breathing: This includes gasping for air, also known as "pump handle breathing," and rales, or crackles, caused by fluids in the chicken's respiratory system.
- Swelling and irritation of the tissue around the eye (conjunctivitis): This can affect the bird's vision and may give the appearance of a dished-out eye.
- Listlessness and lethargy: Hypoxia, or a lack of oxygen to the body's tissues, can cause altered behaviour and lethargy.
- Decreased egg production and quality: In addition to respiratory signs, infectious bronchitis can lead to a decrease in egg production and egg quality.
- Sinus issues: Sinusitis, or swollen sinuses, is a symptom that is unique to chickens and not typically seen in human respiratory infections.
It is important to note that not all chickens will display the same symptoms, and some infections may be asymptomatic. If you suspect that your chicken has a respiratory infection, it is crucial to seek professional veterinary advice, preferably from an avian or poultry veterinarian.
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Diagnosis and treatment options
Respiratory infections are common in chickens and can be caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, or fungi. The most common organisms causing respiratory infections in chickens include Mycoplasma gallisepticum, Chlamydophila psittaci, Pasteurella multocida, and Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale.
Diagnosis
Respiratory infections in chickens can be challenging to diagnose accurately, and it is easy for laypeople to misdiagnose them. Therefore, it is recommended to seek professional veterinary advice, preferably from an avian or poultry veterinarian. Some common signs and symptoms of respiratory infections in chickens include:
- Sneezing, coughing, and wheezing
- Cold-like symptoms such as trouble breathing or noisy breathing
- Listlessness, lethargy, diarrhoea, and abnormal behaviours
- Facial swelling and irritation of the tissue around the eye (conjunctivitis)
- Gasping or "pump handle breathing", indicating an advanced infection or airway obstruction
- Rales, or crackles, which are the sound of fluid in the chicken's respiratory system causing a crackling sound as they breathe
Treatment Options
Treatment options for respiratory infections in chickens vary depending on the specific cause and severity of the infection. Here are some general treatment guidelines:
- Antibiotics: Antibiotics can be effective against bacterial infections, but not all antibiotics work for all bacterial infections, and they are ineffective against viruses. Tetracycline antibiotics may be used to reduce the duration of symptoms.
- Veterinary care: In severe cases, chickens may require veterinary support, especially for infections such as avian influenza (AI). Recovered birds can continue to carry and spread the virus, so it is important to separate asymptomatic birds to prevent reinfection.
- Environmental factors: Ensuring optimum environmental conditions is crucial during treatment. This includes improving air quality and ventilation, providing access to fresh air, and maintaining clean and dry litter in the coop to prevent the release of ammonia gas, which is toxic to the respiratory tract.
- Nutrition: Proper nutrition is essential to help chickens fight off infections. Avoiding table scraps and providing a balanced diet can improve their overall health.
- Quarantine: Quarantining new chickens for six weeks before introducing them to an existing flock can help prevent the spread of diseases.
- Vaccines: For specific respiratory diseases such as infectious bronchitis (IBV), live, attenuated, and killed (inactivated) vaccines are available. However, different antigenic types of IBV do not cross-protect, complicating control efforts.
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Preventing respiratory infections
Biosecurity Measures
Implementing biosecurity measures can effectively prevent respiratory infections in your flock. These measures include:
- Keeping feed covered to minimize attracting wild birds, which can carry diseases.
- Maintaining clean water sources, free from droppings, to prevent bacterial growth.
- Separating waterfowl and chickens to reduce the risk of transmitting diseases between the species.
- Controlling vermin populations, as they can carry and spread diseases.
- Quarantining new chickens for 2-3 weeks before introducing them to your main flock to ensure they are not carrying any infections.
- Quarantining birds after attending exhibitions or sales for 14-21 days to prevent the potential spread of diseases.
- Changing clothes and washing boots before and after visiting other breeders, exhibitions, or sales to prevent carrying diseases between locations.
- Using foot dips or fresh disinfectant at the entrance to poultry areas to disinfect footwear and help prevent the spread of diseases.
- Disinfecting crates, vehicles, and equipment that have been in contact with poultry, especially if shared or borrowed, to eliminate potential disease carriers.
Coop Management
Proper coop management is essential to prevent respiratory infections in chickens:
- Ensure adequate ventilation in the coop to provide fresh air and maintain air quality. Cracks or openings along the roof lines can allow for limited air exchange, improving ventilation.
- Avoid overcrowding in the coop to minimize stress and reduce the risk of infection transmission.
- Maintain stable temperatures, especially during seasonal changes, to prevent respiratory issues. Open windows during summer to improve air circulation, but be mindful of drafts during winter, as chickens are susceptible to temperature changes.
- Keep the coop clean and disinfected, especially after an illness, to reduce the risk of reinfection.
- Provide a balanced diet with feed supplements rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support your chickens' immune systems and overall health.
Vaccination and Treatment
Vaccination and prompt treatment play a vital role in preventing respiratory infections from spreading:
- Consult your veterinarian for advice on appropriate vaccines, such as the live IBV vaccine for infectious bronchitis, to protect your flock from specific respiratory infections.
- Isolate and treat sick birds promptly to prevent the spread of the infection to the rest of the flock.
- Provide adequate hydration, nutrition, and warmth to sick birds to aid in their recovery.
- Administer prescribed treatments, such as erythromycin eye ointment for CRD, to address respiratory infections effectively.
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When to seek veterinary help
Respiratory infections are the second most common reason backyard chickens are brought to the vet. It is important to seek veterinary help as soon as possible, as recovery is rare without intervention. If left untreated, respiratory infections can spread to the rest of the flock and some diseases, such as CRD, can eventually cause the death of healthy birds.
When observing your chickens, it is important to look out for the following symptoms that may indicate a respiratory infection:
- Persistent sneezing
- Listlessness
- Lethargy
- Diarrhea
- Noisy breathing
- Cyanosis
- Abnormal behaviours
- Rales (crackles)
- Gasping
- Swelling and irritation of the tissue around the eye (conjunctivitis)
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Nasal discharge
- Bubbling eyes
- Swollen sinuses
- Difficulty breathing
If your chicken is displaying any of these symptoms, it is important to seek the professional opinion of a veterinarian, preferably an avian or poultry vet. They will be able to provide a correct diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment.
In addition, it is important to note that respiratory infections can be caused by various factors, including viruses, bacteria, parasites, or fungal agents. The type and severity of the infection will depend on the cause, the length of time the infection has been present, and the immune status of the bird. Therefore, prompt veterinary attention is crucial to determine the underlying cause and provide effective treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
Respiratory infections are common in birds and can affect the upper or lower respiratory tract. Symptoms of respiratory infections in chickens include persistent sneezing, listlessness, lethargy, diarrhoea, noisy or laboured breathing, cyanosis, abnormal behaviour, conjunctivitis, swollen sinuses, coughing, wheezing, nasal discharge, bubbling eyes, and gasping for air.
If you suspect that your chicken has a respiratory infection, seek the advice of a veterinarian, preferably an avian or poultry vet. They will be able to provide a correct diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment. In the meantime, separate the asymptomatic birds from the symptomatic ones, if possible, and ensure optimum environmental conditions, including good ventilation, clean and dry litter, and nutritious food.
To prevent respiratory infections in your chickens, ensure that their housing provides adequate ventilation and that the litter is clean and dry. Avoid overcrowding and stress, and provide nutritious food. Quarantine new chickens for six weeks to observe for any health concerns before introducing them to your existing flock.
