- Jun 5, 2008
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A chicken that I care for at our preschool presented with closed eye last week. Upon investigation, her sinus were discharging smelly clear/bloody fluid on one side and cheesy pus on the other. I was able to get a big blockage out of one side. My "chicken lady" said it sounded like a sinus infection. I've been treating with terramycin to the water for 7 days, but there' really not a lot of improvement. She also appears to have diarrhea which was occuring before the antibiotics. She eats and drinks fine and none of the other chickens have any problems (she is silkie).
After some searching on-line I came up with two possible afflictions. I will take her to the vet tomorrow but would appreciate an experienced opinion if there is one. Sorry for such a long post. Many Thanks!
Fowl cholera
Fowl cholera is an infectious bacterial disease of poultry. With an acute outbreak, suddenunexpected deaths occur in the flock. Laying hens may be found dead on the nest. Sick birdsshow anorexia, depression, cyanosis, rales, discharge from eyes and nose, white watery or greenmucoid diarrhea, and egg production is decreased.
As fowl cholera becomes chronic, chickens develop abscessed wattles and swelling of jointsand foot pads. Cheesy pus may accumulate in the sinuses under the eyes.
Flocks can be treated with a sulfa drug. Sulfa drugs are not FDA approved for use in pulletsolder than 14 weeks or for commercial laying hens. Sulfa drugs cause residues in meat andeggs. Prolonged use of sulfa drugs is toxic and causes a decrease in production in layinghens. Antibiotics can be used, but require higher levels and longer medication to stop theoutbreak.
Where fowl cholera is endemic, live and/or inactivated vaccines are recommended. Do not startvaccinating for fowl cholera until it becomes a problem on the farm and a diagnosis is confirmed.
Infectious coryza
Coryza is a respiratory disease of chickens. Common clinical signs nclude swelling and puffinessaround the face and wattles, a thick sticky discharge with a characteristic offensive odorfrom the nostrils, labored breathing, and rales. There is a drop in feed and water consumptionas well as egg production.
Sulfadimethoxine (Albon) is the preferred treatment for infectious coryza. If Albon failsor is not available, sulfamethazine, sulfamerazine, or erythromycin (Gallimycin) can be usedas alternative treatments. The sulfa drugs are not FDA approved for pullets older than 14weeks or for commercial laying hens.
A vaccine for infectious coryza is available. It is given subcutaneously (under the skin)on the back of the neck. Chicks are usually vaccinated four times, starting at 5 weeks ofage (i.e., at 5, 9, 15, and 19 weeks with at least 4 weeks between injections). Vaccinate againat 10 months of age and twice yearly thereafter.
After some searching on-line I came up with two possible afflictions. I will take her to the vet tomorrow but would appreciate an experienced opinion if there is one. Sorry for such a long post. Many Thanks!
Fowl cholera
Fowl cholera is an infectious bacterial disease of poultry. With an acute outbreak, suddenunexpected deaths occur in the flock. Laying hens may be found dead on the nest. Sick birdsshow anorexia, depression, cyanosis, rales, discharge from eyes and nose, white watery or greenmucoid diarrhea, and egg production is decreased.
As fowl cholera becomes chronic, chickens develop abscessed wattles and swelling of jointsand foot pads. Cheesy pus may accumulate in the sinuses under the eyes.
Flocks can be treated with a sulfa drug. Sulfa drugs are not FDA approved for use in pulletsolder than 14 weeks or for commercial laying hens. Sulfa drugs cause residues in meat andeggs. Prolonged use of sulfa drugs is toxic and causes a decrease in production in layinghens. Antibiotics can be used, but require higher levels and longer medication to stop theoutbreak.
Where fowl cholera is endemic, live and/or inactivated vaccines are recommended. Do not startvaccinating for fowl cholera until it becomes a problem on the farm and a diagnosis is confirmed.
Infectious coryza
Coryza is a respiratory disease of chickens. Common clinical signs nclude swelling and puffinessaround the face and wattles, a thick sticky discharge with a characteristic offensive odorfrom the nostrils, labored breathing, and rales. There is a drop in feed and water consumptionas well as egg production.
Sulfadimethoxine (Albon) is the preferred treatment for infectious coryza. If Albon failsor is not available, sulfamethazine, sulfamerazine, or erythromycin (Gallimycin) can be usedas alternative treatments. The sulfa drugs are not FDA approved for pullets older than 14weeks or for commercial laying hens.
A vaccine for infectious coryza is available. It is given subcutaneously (under the skin)on the back of the neck. Chicks are usually vaccinated four times, starting at 5 weeks ofage (i.e., at 5, 9, 15, and 19 weeks with at least 4 weeks between injections). Vaccinate againat 10 months of age and twice yearly thereafter.
