J E S S I C A W A L T E R S , D V M , P H D

V I R G I N I A D E P A R T M E N T O F A G R I C U L T U R E A N D C O N S U M E R S E R V I C E S

F E B R U A R Y 1 7 T H , 2 0 1 7

Backyard Poultry Health: What Every Veterinarian

(Large & Small) Should Know

Outline

Background and Poultry Production Basics

Examination of a Backyard Bird

Samples and Diagnostics

Important Diseases of Backyard Poultry

Biosecurity Tips

Treatment and the Veterinary Feed Directive

Useful Resources

What’s involved in backyard poultry production?

Managing the environment Housing

Lights

Protection from

predators/weather

Manure/Waste

Mitigating disease risk Vaccination

Monitoring

Biosecurity

Nutrition

Genetics/Breed

http://www.extension.umn.edu/food/small-farms/livestock/poultry/backyard-chicken-basics/

F.W.Pierson 2016

F.W.Pierson 2016

F.W.Pierson 2016

F.W.Pierson 2016

F.W.Pierson 2016

F.W.Pierson 2016

F.W.Pierson 2016

F.W.Pierson 2016

When Someone Calls…

START WITH HISTORY

Most Common Complaints:

My birds stopped laying!

One of my birds died!

My bird is lame!

I got new birds in and now mine are sick!

But they looked healthy when I got them!

My birds have diarrhea!

My hens are eating their shells!

But I’ve had that before and it doesn’t look the same!

But they were fine yesterday!

My chicken is losing feathers!

Handling Poultry

Stressed out easily

Likely will be in box or small carrier

Remove with both hands around the entire body with wings held folded against the body

Control points: wings and legs

Support abdomen

Make sure if on an exam table that they have a towel to stand on for traction

May need to use a towel to restrain smaller species

Anatomical and Physiological Differences

Integument: Feathers, Scales, Beak

Respiratory: Complete tracheal rings, air sacs, non-expansive lungs, no diaphragm

Gastrointestinal: No teeth, crop, gizzard (grinding stomach), cloaca (common outflow), cecal tonsils

Circulatory: Two portal systems (hepatic, renal)

Hematological: nRBCs, no liquefactive enzymes

Renal: Uric acid, no bladder

Immunological: Bursa, no lymph nodes

Anatomical and Physiological Differences

Reproductive: Only left side develops, internal testes, different parts develop the egg

Musculoskeletal: Bones adapted for flight, many fused, airsacs extend into some bones

CNS/Special Senses: Few gyri and sulci, bone in eye, large optic lobes

Physical Exam

Eyes: look for conjunctivitis, swelling, cloudiness

Nares: look for discharge, note color and consistency

Mouth: look for abnormal masses/plaques

Combs/Wattles: abnormal coloration, masses

Feathers/Wings: abnormal feather loss/patterns, feather breakage, mites

Body: prominent keel bone, poor body conditioning

Cloaca: evidence of mites, diarrhea

Feet: discoloration, missing scales, burns, swelling

Physical Exam

Normal TPR:

Temperature (daylight):

105.0-109.4 F

Pulse:

Adult: 250-300 bpm

Chick: 350-450 bpm

Respiration:

12-37 bpm

Highly situational and weight dependent

Life Span:

Breed Dependent

Approximately 8-15 years

In Lay?

Pubic bones should be flexible, width 3-4 fingers

Common Signs of Illness in Poultry

Respiratory

Sneezing

“Snick”

Oculo-nasal discharge

Swollen sinuses

Open-mouth breathing

Harsh respiratory sounds

Head shaking

“Vulture” stance

Gastro-Intestinal

Loose stools

“Pasty” vents (white)

Bloody diarrhea

Weight loss

“Vulture” stance

http://keep-hens-raise-chickens.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Infectious-Bronchitis.bmp

Common Signs of Illness in Poultry

Neurologic

Lameness

Abnormal head position

Falling over

Abnormal gait

Inability to stand

Cardiovascular

Sudden death

“Water-belly”

Reproductive

Egg production loss

Abnormal shape/texture

Straining

https://www.vettimes.co.uk/archives/vt14/VT4402902601F002.jpg

Samples

Blood Sites for collection: Jugular, Wing Vein, Saphenous, Heart

Primary sample needed is Serum

Swabs Oro-pharyngeal, Tracheal, Choanal, Cloacal

BHI broth for PCR testing, Polyester Swabs

Fecal

Tissues

If suspecting an “abscess”,

do not lance it! Remember birds

do not form pus.

Diagnostics

ELISA/AGID for antibodies

Submit to VDACS as serum for in-house or referral testing

PCR

Swabs/BHI broth can be used for PCR testing

In-house or referral

Culturettes

Culture and sensitivity if needed

Feces for Fecal Floatation

Submission of tissues for culture and histopathology

Necropsy

Necropsy through VDACS

Yearly Animal Health Umbrella Cooperative Agreement grant in place to allow free necropsies for backyard producers

Birds should ideally be live or fresh dead

If dead, DO NOT FREEZE

Birds will be tested for Avian Influenza

Surveillance mechanism

Necropsy includes all internal testing in VDACS laboratory system

If referrals are needed, producer will be billed separately

VDACS RAHL Locations: Sample Submission

Warrenton, VA

Harrisonburg, VA

Lynchburg, VA

Wytheville, VA

Important Diseases of Backyard Poultry

Viral

AVIAN INFLUENZA

ILT

NEWCASTLE DISEASE

PMV-1

Pox

Parasitic

Mites

Coccidia

Worms

Heterakis

Roundworms

Bacterial

Chlamydophila

Mycoplasma

E. coli

Salmonella

Bumblefoot

Neoplastic (viral)

Marek’s Disease

Leukosis (ALV)

Miscellaneous

Reproductive

Nutritional

Avian Influenza

LPAI

Variable morbidity/mortality rates

Respiratory signs possible

Production drop

HPAI

High morbidity/mortality

External hemorrhage/cyanosis

Respiratory signs and production drop probable

REPORTABLE

Diagnosis:

PCR

Oropharyngeal swabs

Cloacal swabs

Serum

http://lrd.spc.int/ext/Disease_Manual_Final/Avian_Influenza.jpg

Infectious Laryngotracheitis (ILT)

Chickens only (>4 weeks)

Clinical Signs: Difficulty breathing,

extending head and neck

Possible blood expectorate

May see conjunctivitis with swollen eyes

High morbidity, moderate mortality

Long course of disease

Chick Embryo Origin vaccine not allowed in mainland VA

REPORTABLE

Diagnosis: PCR

Oropharyngeal swabs

http://eshop.bellsouth.com.au/WebRoot/ecshared01/Shops/bellsouth/MediaGallery/Categories/tech_images/ilt-1,Medium.jpg

“Newcastle Disease”/ Avian PMV-1

Multiple forms Lentogenic

Mesogenic

Velogenic (VVND, NVND)

Clinical signs Mild respiratory signs

Respiratory signs with mild neurologic signs and low mortality

High mortality with respiratory/nervous signs or hemorrhagic intestinal lesions

VELOGENIC = REPORTABLE “Exotic Newcastle”

Vaccination available

Diagnosis: PCR

Oropharyngeal swabs

Cloacal swabs

Serum

http://www.nadis.org.uk/media/20841/060211_1415_DiseasesofF5.png

Avian Pox

Two forms:

Cutaneous: “Dry”

Mild clinical signs

Reddish-brown scabs

Diphtheritic: “Wet”

Upper respiratory/GI

Dyspnea & inappetance

Prevented by vaccination

Treatment: none

Diagnosis: lesions and histopathology

External Parasites

Mites

Multiple types

Red mites

Can cause anemia

Nest mites

Northern fowl mites

Birds often irritable, agitated, losing weight

Diagnosis: Look for mites around the vent and feather base

Treat bird and environment

Internal Parasites

Worms

Heterakis (cecal worm)

Pathogenic to turkeys

Associated with “Blackhead disease”

Warn against housing chickens and turkeys together

Ascarids (roundworms)

Large impactions detrimental

Diagnosis: Fecal floatation

Treatment: de-wormers

http://www.arcatapet.com/fullsize/15109.jpg

http://www.arkcountrystore.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Strike3PoultryDewormer.jpg

Internal Parasites

Coccidia Huge issue for poultry that

free range!

Different species affect chickens and turkeys

Specific to certain areas of the gut

Clinical signs:

Diarrhea (can be bloody)

Weight loss

Stunting

Diagnosis: Fecal float, gut scrape

Sometimes occurs with necrotic enteritis

Treatment: Anti-coccidial

Herbal supplements

Oregano

Cayenne

Black pepper oil

http://cdn.backyardchickens.com/8/8f/500x1000px-LL-8ffb100b_amprol.jpeg

Chlamydophila/Psittacosis

Significant public health concern flu-like symptoms in humans

Tell your doctor you have had contact with birds!

Treatment: Doxycycline

Also a concern in Psittacines

Diagnosis: Histopathology

REPORTABLE

Clinical signs:

Conjunctivitis

Mild respiratory signs

Diarrhea

Marked yellow-green diarrhea in turkeys

Mycoplasma

Two main species of concern: M. gallisepticum

M. synoviae

Highly contagious

High prevalence in VA

Clinical signs: Asymptomatic

Drop in egg production

Respiratory signs

Clear oculo-nasal discharge

Swollen sinuses

Diagnosis: PCR

Oropharyngeal swabs

Serum

http://cdn.backyardchickens.com/c/c7/350x700px-LL-c7f5db7a_photo113.jpeg

Mycoplasma

Huge concern for owners with “open flocks” and those that frequent bird swaps

Treatment:

Treat clinical signs

Goes dormant, can relapse in times of stress

Re-test often via PCR

Close flock and maintain biosecurity

Best suggestion is to depopulate flock

E. coli

Environmental organism

Often a secondary disease-causing agent

Inadequate ventilation can contribute

Clinical signs:

Respiratory signs

Drop in egg production

Diarrhea

Diagnosis:

Ideally culture and sensitivity of recently deceased birds

Treatment: Depends on sensitivity

Salmonella

Multiple different species Some zoonotic

Issue especially when birds handled closely or by children

Clinical signs: No clinical disease

Diarrhea + high mortality

Continue to shed despite treatment Most backyard birds carry

the bacteria

Diagnosis: Environmental PCR

Salmonella culture

Serotyping

NPIP Testing to eradicate S. pullorum and S. gallinarum

http://media1.s-nbcnews.com/i/newscms/2014_18/408006/140429-chickens-jms-2330_24cb39eb25efac82eb9ef600e730d6bc.jpg

Bumblefoot

Multiple bacterial species implicated

Purulent arthritis, tenosynovitis

Environmental pathogen: Associated with a skin break

Clinical signs: Swollen, hot joint

White to yellow fibrinopurulent exudatecaseous

http://cdn.backyardchickens.com/7/7d/7d71fa9e_72944_bumble2.jpeg

Diagnosis: Culture and sensitivity

Treatment: Dependent on culture results

Marek’s Disease

Viral neoplasia in birds

Most common in young, sexually immature chickens (2-7 months)

Can occur at any age

Transmission through feather follicle dander

Clinical signs:

Depression, cachexia

Asymmetric partial paralysis

Dilation of the crop

Blindness

Vaccination from hatchery: $0.10/bird

Diagnosis: Histopathology

Treatment: None

http://kienyejichicken.co.ke/images/388_221_11aac9a41fbd9749d7f25a13a631bc26f377d5c7.jpg

Leukosis

Clinical signs can look identical to Marek’s

May see osteopetrosis of the long bones

Mortality most common in chickens >16 weeks

Cloacal palpation of Bursa may be useful

Nodular enlargement

Egg transmission important

No vaccine

Diagnosis: Histopathology

Treatment: None

Miscellaneous: Reproductive

Egg-Binding

Obesity, Ca+ deficiency

Treatment:

Digital lubrication,

Administer Calcium gluconate, oxytocin

Soft Shelled eggs

Calcium:Phosphorous imbalance (2:1 ideal)

Make sure complete diet

Vaginal Prolapse

Increased frequency with obese birds

Rupture of yolks can lead to peritonitis

May never heal enough to lay again

http://vitalfarms.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Strange-squishy-egg-.jpg

Talk to Your Clients About Disease Prevention

Biosecurity!

Keep separate clothing (coveralls, shoes) specific to working with your birds, change afterwards.

Wash your hands after handling birds or bird material

Quarantine new birds/flocks

Use appropriate disinfectants when transferring supplies or yourself between birds (i.e. footbaths)

Buy from reputable dealers/suppliers

Monitor your flock for signs of illness

Keep age groups separate-different disease risks

Ideal to enclose birds to prevent access to wild birds.

Disease Treatment

VCPR needed

Individual birds:

Oral, injectable antibiotics

Flock treatment:

Feed, water antibiotics

WILL REQUIRE VFD

Organic/”All natural” treatments are becoming increasingly popular

REMEMBER:

BACKYARD POULTRY ARE CONSIDERED FOOD ANIMAL SPECIES

Consider withdrawal times and if you plan on using anything extra-label

http://poultryhealthtoday.com/

Veterinary Feed Directive

“Starting January 1, 2017, medically important antimicrobials in medicated feed will become veterinary feed directive (VFD) drugs and the resulting VFD feed must be authorized by a licensed veterinarian and distributed and used in compliance with the VFD regulation.”

IF YOU SEE BIRDS, YOU NEED TO BE AWARE OF THE NEW REGULATIONS

Useful Resources

Diseases of Poultry, 13th Ed.

Avian Disease Manual, 7th Ed.

American Association of Avian Pathologists

Virginia Department of Ag and Consumer Services

http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov//

FDA, Veterinary Feed Directive

http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/default.htm

VDACS RAHL Contact Information

Warrenton

272 Academy Hill Road Warrenton, VA 20186

540-316-6543

Harrisonburg

261 Mount Clinton Pike Harrisonburg, VA 22802

540-209-9130

Lynchburg

4832 Tyreeanna Road Lynchburg, VA 24504

434-200-9988

Wytheville

250 Cassell Road Wytheville, VA 24382

276-228-5501

“ALWAYS DO SOMETHING!”

- D R . W H I T T I E R

Words of Wisdom…

Questions?

Contact info: Jessica Walters, Poultry Diagnostician jessica.walters@vdacs.virginia.gov 540-209-9130 261 Mount Clinton Pike Harrisonburg, VA 22802