do chickens get colds?

[red reaper]

I have a couple cornish pullets that I introduced to the flock that make a gurgling sound or maybe a purring sound, cant quite put my finger on what to describe it as.They are healthy as a horse apperarnce wise and actions. I hadnt heard any of my other heavy breeds doing that until today, and heard a few of the older 2.5yr old red stars doing it. kinda does sound like someone has a cold and is gurgling when they breathe, but no coughing or sneezing. Is this just a sound they make or do I need to medicate for something? if so what steps do I need to do? thank you.

 

[Chicabee19]

I wanted to ask this question too...

Can chickens catch colds and flu from humans?

I do know hamsters can.

thanks!

 

[mypicklebird]

Quote:
The average cold or flu that a person gets is not infectious to chickens and vice versa. Most organisms are very species specific. The respiratory problems usually discussed in this group (coryza, IB, mycoplasma ect) are not really a problem for people. BUT--- There are some zoonotic respiratory problems such as pssitacosis, TB, Newcastles, pasteurellosis, and also GI tract zoonotic organisms like salmonella & campylobacter. Common sense handling of chickens & their products and using basic protective gear when cleaning their houses keeps the risk of catching something minimal. The 'bad' asian avian flu is definitely considered zoonotic, not in the US yet thankfully. Ferrets can get and give human influenza strains.

Pretty much all of our domestic animals, pets and barnyard- all carry some zoonotic risk to their caretakers. But again, most common sense handling of them keeps the risk relatively low. Handwashing, gloves when cleaning, masks for dusty areas ect. I think hanging out with a bunch of chickens, dogs, cats, bunnies and hamsters is lower risk for catching a disease than going to my local coffee house!
jess