1. A Poultry Health Update
Presented By:
Adam Hady
Agriculture Agent
Richland County UWEX
11/06

2. Topics of the Presentation
Avian Influenza
Mites and Lice
Respiratory Diseases
Establishing a Biosecurity plan

3. Avian Influenza
What is it?
Why are we so concerned?

4. Low Path AI Mild or no clinical signs in poultry
Decreased egg production
Mild respiratory signs: cough, sneeze
Feces, ocular, oral and nasal secretions
Bird-to-bird or contaminated equipment
Diagnosis:
Virus isolation
Serology .
Source: AVIAN INFLUENZA / “BIRD FLU”,

5. High Path AI Sudden death without clinical signs
Source: AVIAN INFLUENZA / “BIRD FLU”,

6. High Path AI Decreased activity and decreased feed consumption
F.A.O.- Italy
Source: AVIAN INFLUENZA / “BIRD FLU”,

7. High Path AI Decreased egg production Soft-shelled or misshapen eggs
Source: AVIAN INFLUENZA / “BIRD FLU”,

8. High Path AI Swelling of head, eyelids, comb, wattles and hocks
Source: AVIAN INFLUENZA / “BIRD FLU”,

9. High Path AI
Purple discoloration (cyanosis and hemorrhage) of wattle, comb and legs
Source: AVIAN INFLUENZA / “BIRD FLU”,

10. High Path AI Nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing Lack of coordination
Diarrhea
F.A.O.- Italy
Source: AVIAN INFLUENZA / “BIRD FLU”,

11. Gross Lesions HPAI Vesicles and ulcers on comb Facial edema
Source: AVIAN INFLUENZA / “BIRD FLU”,

12. Gross Lesions HPAI Hemorrhage throughout internal body organs and fat
Source: AVIAN INFLUENZA / “BIRD FLU”,

13. Gross Lesions HPAI Hemorrhage throughout internal body organs and fat
Source: AVIAN INFLUENZA / “BIRD FLU”,

14. Other Health Concerns
Mites & Lice

15. Mites & Lice Mites Size: 1 millimeter in diameter
Color: Dark Reddish Black
Egg Color & Location:
White to off-white along the feather shaft
Mites live on the host and in the environment

16. Mites & Lice Lice Size: 2-3 millimeters long Color: Light Brown
Egg Color & Location:
White and at the base of the feather
Lice only live on the host, and appear to be fast moving.

17. Mites & Lice Symptoms: Decreased Food Intake Decreased Egg Production
Decreased Weight Gain
Increased Susceptibility to Other Diseases
If any of these symptoms are observed a visual inspection around the vent for lice or mites is recommended.

18. Mites & Lice Treatment Sanitation and cleanliness are keys to control
Chemical control:
Dust bath with Sevin®
Pyrethrin-Based spray
Ivermectin medication

19. Respiratory Diseases
These are some of the most common diseases of poultry.
They cause a wide variety of impact on the flock, from production loss to mortality.

20. Respiratory Diseases There are many causes and is very common Signs:
Coughing
Sneezing
Discharge from the eyes and nostrils

21. Respiratory Diseases Causes: Viruses Bacteria
Parasites (such as the gapeworm)
High ammonia levels

22. Respiratory Diseases
Vectors:
Other Chickens
Rodents
Manure
Dust

23. Backyard Biosecurity What is Biosecurity
Measures that are taken to prevent the transfer of diseases from place to place and animal to animal.

24. Six Steps To Biosecurity
1. Keep Your Distance
2. Keep It Clean
3. Don’t Haul Disease Home
4. Don’t Borrow Disease
5. Be Informed
6. Report Sick Birds

25. Biosecurity Plan What is it? Are they practical for me?
A biosecurtiy plan is written document that outline procedures for preventing and handling diseases.
Are they practical for me?
Yes, no matter what your size of operation it is worth taking time to look at how to minimize disease threats.

26. Building a Biosecurity Plan
The first step:
What am I currently doing?
Housing
Feeders and Waterers- how are they located?
What kinds of birds are commingled?
What age groups of birds do I have?
What are my feed sources?
How do I bring new birds into the flock?
How do I handle dead birds?
Etc.

27. Building a Biosecurity Plan
Step Number Two:
Identify the areas where diseases could be introduced
Identify areas where cross contamination could occur.

28. Building a Bio Security Plan
Step Number Three
Outline ways that you could prevent contamination from your list in step #2
Step Number 4
Follow your Plan

29. References
AVIAN INFLUENZA / “BIRD FLU”, PowerPoint presentation by Ron Kean , UW-Extension Poultry Specialist, 2006
“Common External Parasites in Poultry: Lice and Mites” Ohio State University Fact Sheet
“Backyard Biosecurity Practices to Keep Your Birds Healthy” UDSA/ APHIS publication May 2004
American Poultry Association Website:

30. Questions ???