Here are several diseases to watch for when managing flocks in winter:
As we all know, winter temperatures are low and the temperature difference between day and night is large, making it a season when diseases are more common. Therefore, during winter, farmers need to pay even greater attention to flock husbandry and management. Improper husbandry and management during this season directly affects the economic returns from farming. Farmers are therefore reminded to watch for the following diseases during this season.
Respiratory diseases are more likely to occur
In winter, temperatures are low, and to retain heat, most farmers seal their poultry houses tightly. This causes the air inside the houses to become dry and bacteria to multiply. When the flock inhales these in large quantities, the respiratory mucosa can be damaged, making respiratory diseases more likely. Excessively high ammonia and carbon dioxide concentrations in the house can likewise irritate and damage the respiratory mucosa, increasing the risk of respiratory diseases. In focusing only on heat retention, ventilation and air exchange may be neglected. Farmers are reminded not to overlook ventilation and air exchange while keeping the house warm. When temperatures are higher around midday, open the windows to ventilate and exchange air, keep the air inside the house fresh, and reduce harmful gas levels. Also maintain hygiene inside the house, and spray disinfectant on the area outside the house and its surroundings at regular intervals and in measured amounts. If respiratory symptoms are found in the flock, administer medication as early as possible; do not wait until secondary diseases develop, as this will increase medication costs and reduce economic returns.
Infectious coryza in chickens
Coryza is also a common winter disease in flocks. Large temperature fluctuations in winter, dry air inside the house, and high ammonia concentrations can all trigger it. Coryza primarily affects the nasal cavity and sinuses. The main symptoms are a thin, watery nasal discharge from the nostrils at the onset of the disease. The discharge gradually thickens and develops an unpleasant odor. In later stages, it solidifies into yellow scabs and is accompanied by facial swelling and conjunctivitis. Coryza has a high incidence rate, a long course, and often recurs. Its mortality rate is low, but secondary diseases can develop and lead to death. Early detection and treatment are important; disinfection and preventing cold stress in the flock are key. Disinfect the environment inside and outside the poultry house, improve heat retention in the house, and ensure proper ventilation to provide fresh air. If a bird is suspected of being ill, promptly separate and cull it, and promptly administer preventive medication to the flock to reduce the likelihood of the pathogen spreading through the flock.
Mild-type colds
Winter is also a peak season for influenza and low-pathogenicity influenza. Therefore, poultry farmers must take precautions during this season. Strengthening immunization and flock management is key. Affected chickens have elevated body temperatures, appear depressed, eat less, and show a decline in egg production; their eggshells become pale. The flock develops respiratory symptoms. On dissection, the ovarian follicles are deformed, there are hemorrhagic spots in the fat, and the oviduct is atrophied. In severe cases, the flock may also be infected with Escherichia coli, resulting in deaths. Therefore, poultry farmers are reminded to strengthen immunization with various vaccines and ensure that antibody levels in the flock exceed protective levels (while also carrying out antibody testing for the flock). They should strengthen flock management, improve the flock’s immunity and physical condition, ensure adequate ventilation in the poultry house, reduce cold stress on the flock, and disinfect the environment inside and outside the poultry house.
Therefore, in winter, poultry farmers need to provide the flock with appropriate feed and nutrition, strengthen flock management, improve the flock’s physical condition, and ensure that the flock gets through the winter safely.