Vaccinate against respiratory diseases in chickens

ELLANIE SMITWINDHOEKDisease outbreaks are a major concern to poultry enterprises and respiratory diseases are a common occurrence.Therefore, a regular vaccination programme must be implemented to reduce the possibility of respiratory diseases in chickens.Rearing chickens is an exciting and rewarding small-scale farming venture that is on the rise in Namibia, says Agribank’s technical advisor for crops and poultry, Hanks Saisai.“A respiratory disease is one that affect the sinuses, which is an area located between the eyes and the beak, as well as the windpipe and lungs of any living organism.”CausesSaisai says in chickens the main causes of respiratory diseases are usually germs such as fungi, viruses and bacteria, and housing shortfalls such as poor ventilation that results in ammonia build-up, draughts and excessive dust.He explains that for a chicken farmer there are certain symptoms that can be observed in live chickens.The most common signs of respiratory diseases are difficulty in breathing, discharge from the eyes and nostrils, sneezing and swollen sinuses.In dead chickens, signs can include the blockage of the nasal passage, redness on the inside of the windpipe or excess mucus in the windpipe.When a farmer finds it hard to tell whether chickens died from respiratory diseases, it is always advisable to consult a veterinarian for a post-mortem examination accompanied with laboratory tests to confirm the respiratory disease.Respiratory diseases are classified by the causing agent and usually some diseases such as Newcastle disease, infectious bronchitis, infectious laryngotracheitis and pneumovirus are caused by viruses. Diseases such as mycoplasma gallisepticum and infectious coryza are caused by bacteria.Brooder pneumonia is a common fungal disease that causes respiratory problems in chickens, sources of which may include mouldy, wet feed; wet bedding; or mould on hatching eggs.TreatmentSaisai says when chickens are affected by respiratory diseases, they tend to have a decline in egg production, loss of appetite and consequently slow growth.Respiratory diseases caused by viruses cannot be treated and usually results in mortalities. Bacterial and fungal respiratory diseases can be treated using antibiotics and other poultry-friendly antibiotics recommended by veterinarians.“For a farmer to control and prevent the occurrence of respiratory diseases, it is important to ensure that the chicken house is cleaned thoroughly to ensure that there is no ammonia build-up and accumulation of dust.”

Vaccinate against respiratory diseases in chickens

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-17

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Vaccinate against respiratory diseases in chickens

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-17

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