Because of pollution and other reasons, we humans get caught with respiratory infections, and chickens are not safe either! Respiratory diseases in chickens are a rising concern currently.
Respiratory infections in chickens do not limit themselves only to infecting the respiratory system but also infect chicken’s bronchi, trachea, and lungs. These infections can be caused by viruses such as Avian Influenza virus, Infectious Bronchitis virus, Newcastle disease virus, and many others, etc, or by bacteria such as Staphylococcus, E.Coli, Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG), etc. or even by Fungi such as Aspergillus fumigatus.
Symptoms Of Respiratory Infections in Chickens
Any disease does show its symptoms as soon as it onsets in its parasite’s body. The key is to detect them during their early stages and avoid further spreading. As popularly said Prevention is better than Cure! Symptoms of potential chicken respiratory infection include some of the following signs. Always look for them during your regular inspections.
- Discomfort in respiration such as heavy and labored breathing, loud wheezing, gasping for air, or coughing
- Runny or watery nose, swollen sinuses, or watery eyes
- Blue or purple fleshy flaps that hang on either side of the chickens’ throat
- Reduced activity
- Loss of appetite
- Puffy eyes and other facial tissues
Treatment Of Respiratory Infections in Chickens
Chicken respiratory infection treatment includes early intervention as soon as the respiratory diseases are identified through the above symptoms. As soon as you identify respiratory illness in your chickens, first and foremost consult your veterinary specialist immediately and thoroughly follow their instructions. Appropriate chicken respiratory medicine will be prescribed by the veterinarian once the cause of infection is identified based on the specific bacteria, virus, or fungi involved.
Antibiotics are preferred medicines for respiratory infection disease in chickens as they can cure the infection fast, especially when the respiratory disease is just on onset in chickens. Antibiotics for chickens with respiratory infections include several bacterial, antiviral, and antifungal medications. Along with providing antibiotics with regular feed to the chickens, proper ventilation, temperature maintenance in the area, and regular feeding of electrolyte solutions to maintain body fluid are also required for faster recovery.
Respifit by Refit Animal Care is one of the wonders of medicine that can be used to cure cough in chickens. Respifit is a respiratory tonic for cough in poultry, chicken, cattle, calves, cow, buffalo, sheep, goat, and livestock animals. This respiratory supplement comes in liquid form and is loaded with high-quality vitamins and minerals thus helping the cure faster compared to other respiratory tonics available in the market. It cures cough, cold, other respiratory ailments, stress, and pain by easing breathing.
Give it a try to best antibiotic for chicken respiratory infection and have healthy chickens!
Preventing Respiratory Infections in Chickens
Following preventive measures should be followed to avoid respiratory infection.
- Restrict entry of people in the area as much as possible to minimize entry of external bacteria, virus, or fungi by using foot dips to prevent the spread of disease.
- Quarantine new chickens initially that is before introducing or mixing them with your regular flock.
- Maintain proper hygiene in the coop.
- Regularly provide vaccination doses to your chickens as prescribed by your local veterinarian as respiratory infection can weaken their immune system considerably.
- Infections can also be prevented by minimizing stress caused because of inadequate ventilation, overcrowding, and temperature fluctuations.
- Provide a balanced diet along with feed supplements recommended for chickens which are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to help strengthen their immune system and overall health, well-being, and productivity.
- Through regular or scheduled cleaning and removal of droppings you can maintain hygienic conditions in the coop thus reducing the build-up of ammonia gas. Just for a note – ammonia gas is a known irritant to the respiratory system.
There is no doubt that respiratory infections hinder your chickens’ health and well-being. By regular inspection of the coop and chickens, you can identify the onset of this dangerous disease during its initial stages.
