Conditions that can affect a Chicken Respiratory System

Part 5 of our Health and Well Being of the Chicken Flock series was about conditions that affect the chicken’s skin.

In Part 6 we are going to find out about some conditions that can affect a chicken’s respiratory system, the signs and symptoms of them and what can be done about it.

If you are a first-time flock owner, looking to become one or even a seasoned one have a read at some of our articles. There is something of benefit for everyone on our site.

CONDITIONS THAT CAN AFFECT THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM OF CHICKENS

Sinus

Sinus problems or sinusitis in chickens lead to blocked sinus cavities and may even cause abscesses.
As the sinuses are really close to a chicken eye the mucous buildup in the cavity can sometimes lead to the chicken getting conjunctivitis.
Sinusitis is often brought on by:
Infectious Coryza
Swollen head syndrome
Infectious Laryngotracheitis
Chronic Respiratory disease (CRD)
Fowl Cholera
Avian Influenza
Sinusitis can cause quite a lot of trauma and damage to a chicken if not treated correctly.

Signs and Symptoms:

Nasal discharge
Weeping eyes
Clicking
Swelling of the face
Swelling of the eyes
Lost eye looks or sunken sinus

Treatment:

The bird must be separated from the flock and isolated in the medical coop
The vet should be called
The vet will usually give antibiotics
But you can supplement their diets with Vitamin A

Mycoplasma gallisepticum

MG infection for Mycoplasmosis gallisepticum or more commonly called chronic respiratory disease (CRD).
They also call it Bulgy eye which is not easily detected and takes a stressful event to the chicken that weakens its immune system to suddenly come to the forefront.
It is quite common that when a chicken is infected with CRD that they can be co-infected with one or more pathogens like E. coli.

Signs and Symptoms:

Nasal discharge
Loud breathing (known as rales)
Swelling of the face
Coughing
Sneezing
Watery eyes
Loss of appetite
Feathers are ruffled
Loss of weight
Bluish or purple comb – this is known as Cyanosis

Treatment:

The bird must be separated from the flock and isolated in the medical coop
The vet should be called
They will probably give treatments such of Colloidal silver, Tylosin, Tamulin, etc.
The chicken must be kept calm and their stress level reduced.

Infectious Bronchitis (IB)

Infectious Bronchitis is a very contagious disease that affects the upper respiratory tract of the chicken.
This infection is caused by a virus called the Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) it is a coronavirus.
This virus is a cause for concern to most poultry keepers including industrial farmers as the disease can cause reproductive system and kidney damage to the chickens.
Once one bird gets it in a flock the virus spreads very quickly. The virus infects chickens differently depending on their age, immune system, etc.
The virus can get contracted through contaminated water, feed and from chicken to chicken. It is spread through the nasal mucinous and feces of the birds that have the virus. The virus tends to last longer in the winter months than it does in the spring months as it survives longer in the cold than it can in the heat.
The environment around the chickens can be cleansed of the virus with disinfectants.

Signs and Symptoms:

Rales
Lethargy
Listlessness
Egg production drops off
Some eggs may even be discolored
There may even be some abnormally shaped eggs
Eggs with soft shells
The chicken will not want to move
They may gasp for breath
Coughing
Sneezing
They will go and huddle where it is warm
They usually have ruffled feathers
Their faces will swell
They may have diarrhea
Depression
Loss of appetite
Increased thirst
Weight loss

Treatment:

Swollen Head Syndrome (SHS)

This is also known as Avian Metapneumovirus and is a very contagious virus that infects that upper respiratory tract of chickens.
This is a type of pneumovirus which has four different classifications subtypes typically A, B, C and D. This disease has other disease associated with it such as avian rhinotracheitis (ART).
This disease can affect most birds and can spread through a flock really fast.
SRS is spread through infected birds to other birds, contaminated feed, water and fomites.

Signs and Symptoms:

Swollen head
Swollen eyes
Conjunctivitis
Opisthotonos
Behavior changes
Torticollis
Egg production is lowered
Redness of the skin

Treatment:

The infected bird(s) will need to be isolated in a warm well-ventilated area
Contact the vet so they can determine if it is SHS. They may need to run tests and cultures, etc.
The vet will set up a treatment plan for antibiotic therapy.

Infectious Laryngo Tracheitis Virus (ILT)

ILT is known as Trach, Trake, Laryngo and Avian Diphtheria. This highly contagious respiratory disease is caused by the Gallid herpesvirus 1 (Laryngotracheitis virus).
This disease has been known to affect chickens over 14 weeks old whereby the bird will get swollen sinuses, conjunctivitis and a nasal discharge. They may be seen shaking their heads as if trying to clear them.
This virus is airborne through the chicken’s sneeze, cough or bloody mucous that is spread when they shake their heads.
There is a vaccination for ILT. The virus can survive up to 10 days without a host on the ground, in dropping, etc. If a chicken with the virus dies it is best to burn their carcass as the virus can live for up to 70 days in a dead chicken.
As with most of the herpesvirus strains, chickens that get infected with the virus will have it for a lifetime. It can manifest at any time during the rest of their lifespan especially when their immune system becomes compromised like under stress.
ILT virus when out in the environment will not survive direct sunlight, heat and will dry out.
To get a proper diagnosis the vet will have to do various tests such virus isolation, antibody testing, etc.

Signs and Symptoms:

Rales
Swelling of the face
Drowsiness
Mucous that has blood in it
Gasping for air
Stretch out their neck
Shake their heads
Egg production will drop off
Coughing
Watery eyes
Nasal discharge
Ruffled feathers
Huddle in the warmth
Exhibit depression
Behavior changes

Treatment:

The infected bird(s) will need to be isolated
Make sure it is warm and cozy with enough ventilation
Ensure the area is sanitized properly each day
They must have clean fresh water
You will have to call the vet
To alleviate the mucous, you can put some apple cider vinegar in their water
The vet will set up a treatment plan
For conjunctivitis, you can help relieve the birds inflammation around this area using a warm, damp face cloth to gently wipe away the crustiness.
A Colloidal silver spray can be used to help alleviate the mucus and open up their sinuses.
There is a vaccination to protect the flock from ILT. The first vaccination in this treatment is a mild one. Then another one is given about 4 to 6 weeks after the first one. Birds that have been molting may need a booster at the end of the molting period. All the chickens should get the ILT booster shot once a year.