Infectious bronchitis or IB is a viral upper respiratory disease in chickens, occurring primarily during winter months and in cold environments. IB is caused by a coronavirus that infects the upper respiratory system in animals and birds.
IB initially presents through repeated coughing and sneezing, and can include nasal and eye secretions, respiratory or breathing distress, and in some cases death. The virus is transmitted from chicken to chicken through their fluids, during coughing and sneezing. Chickens will present with symptoms within one or two days of infection. This respiratory disease typically runs its course in a week. Mortality for chickens with IB is relatively low, unless airway blockage occurs, or the chicken is weakened by other ailments.
Many different vaccines exist for different strains of IB, according to chicken type, broiler, layer, etc. Disinfectants and sunlight are highly effective in killing this virus to prevent its spread.
Infectious Bronchitis Signs:
– Coughing, sneezing, wheezing, and/or gasping of chickens.
– Watery discharge from the eyes and/or nostrils.
– Swelling of the head.
– Head shaking may be observed.
– Feed and water consumption declines.
– Affected chickens will often be chirping.
– Breathing noises are more noticeable at night while the birds rest.
– Layer birds show severe and prolonged reduction in egg laying; the few eggs laid havesoft or rough shells, and the egg white becomes watery.
– Production recovers in 5 or 6 weeks, but at a lower rate than before infection.
Infectious Bronchitis Transmission:
– Inhalation of droplets expelled by infected birds.
– Contaminated feed bags.
Infectious Bronchitis Treatment:
– There is no specific treatment for infectious bronchitis. Antibiotics given for 3-5 daysmay aid in combating secondary bacterial infections.
Prevention:
– Establish and enforce a biosecurity program
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Recovery:
– Cull all infected birds, disinfect kholas and obtain health breeding stock.