Muscovy ducks dying

[dkaren]

6 dead Muscovy ducks. First was the hen then the drake. Then a couple days later another hen. Now followed by 3 of the babies roughly 3-4 months old. They have access to a nice size pond. They free range on 23 acres and then I also feed crack corn and meal worms on top of whatever they eat while roaming. They all look healthy but all the sudden they will seem a touch off and within 24 hours be dead. I took one inside that was still alive to wash up to leave inside to monitor but died while I was cleaning it. Just went stiff. They have clear eyes and seem to have no other obvious signs of any infection or parasite that I’ve hear of or read on. I also do have 3 to 4 other breeds of duck and none of the other breeds are having these issues. I called a place that rehabilitate birds and they couldn’t help. There is a bird illness around here “Ohio” that has been effecting birds but the wildlife person was no help and said they only deal with wild birds. Please help

 

[Quatie]

I am so sorry about your ducks. It does sound like whatever is going is specific to muscovy. You could try sending your ducks in to get a necropsy and see why they died. Other than that, I really don't know. These guys may have some other suggestions.

@Isaac 0
@Miss Lydia

 

[Miss Lydia]

I'm sorry for your losses. I don't know what could be the issue unless it's nutrition. Corn isn't a balanced diet, many probably just turn their ducks out and let get all they need, but are they? I've always offered feed to mine all during daylight hrs. I think a necropsy would be a good idea.

 

[Crazy Maizie]

Do you happen to notice any blue green algae in the pond? Or is there anything toxic they could have gotten into? I agree that a necropsy is your best option to find the source.
If it were me, I would lock the ducks up and isolate any sick ones until you get the results back.

http://www.duckdvm.com/condition/blue-green-algae-poisoning


The wild bird illness is in at least 10 different states and so far not affecting poultry. The symptoms you are describing aren't what is being reported.