Common Diseases of Waterfowl

WORMS

Waterfowl are very susceptible to infestations of worms. They can host Round,Capillary and Gape worms as well as different types of Tapeworms. Symptoms, failure to thrive and gain weight, birds limping, birds opening their mouths as if they cannot get enough air ( gape worms ). The best way to avoid the problem is to worm the entire flock two time a year with Flubenvet in their feed for 7 day.

LICE & MITES

Waterfowl with bathing water available are generally not troubled by heavy infestations of lice or mites but lice in particular can be found on them and they (lice) can damage the feathering on show birds. An infestation is much more likely if the waterfowl are kept on the same premises with chickens. Flea spray or powder is a convenient and effective way to treat for lice or mites, Part feathers and apply powder to birds, avoiding the eyes. Repeat every 3-4 days if infestation is not cleared. While treating birds, to help prevent reinfestation, a little powder may be dusted on immediate surroundings where mite breed, eg. under nesting material, also cracks and crevices. But must be used regularly to be effective.

SINUSITIS/"SINUS"

A common bacterial infection of the nasal sinuses. Swelling is seen in the front of one or both eyes. Daily antibiotic flushing of the sinuses by a veterinary surgeon is required until the swelling resolves. Sometimes this is resistant to treatment.

DUCK PLAGUE (Virus Enteritis) 

Duck virus enteritis is an acute, contagious, highly fatal disease of waterfowl caused by a herpes virus. This diseaseis most likely to affect mature ducks,butis also seen in youny ducks. Affected birds show sluggishness, ruffled feathers, greenish-yellow diarrhea that is sometime blood-stained. Dead birds often have blood-stained feathers around the vent and blood dripping from the nostrils. Hemorrhages may be found in tissues throughout the body. Eruptive lesions of the mucous lining of the esophagus and intestine are characteristic signs of the disease.

LEAD POISONING

This is still seen despite the ban lead fishing weights. Shot gun cartridges may be a source now. Symptoms include weight loss,weakness and incoordination and green diarrhoea. Some birds will survive if given sufficient intensive care under veterinary supervision.

ENTERITIS

A family of intestinal tract ailments always characterised by diarrhea. Best treatment is for 5 days . Treatment must begin quickly if the birds are to be saved. Enteritis can be contracted through fouled water sources. Eliminate puddles,fouled pools and mud and you eliminate enteritis. This is a killer of waterfowl

AVIAN CHOLERA

Avian cholera, also called fowl cholera caused by the bacterium (pasteurella multocida) is a disease of domestic ducks, and is an especially trouble some disease in ducks. poor sanitation is associated with this disease and stagnant water in pens, Loss of appetite, diarrhea, Mucous discharge from the mouth,are symptoms of the disease. Good sanitation practices will help prevent this disease.

ASPERGILLOSIS

This condition occurs when ducks inhale spores produced by the mold Aspergillus a fungi that grows on damp staw or feed, These inhaled spores cause multiple nodules or plaques in the lungs, Common signs include gasping, listlessness and dehydration. so do not use moldy staw and feed in a dry place to avoid the feed getting wet.

Riemerella anatipestifer Infection   

This bacterial disease of ducks is also known as Pasteurella anatipestifer infection, infectious serositis and New Duck disease.Anatipestifer infection causes high mortality, weight loss and condemnation. In the acute form, listlessness, eye discharge and diarrhea are commonly seen,  Ducks show incoordination, shaking of the head and twisted neck. Birds are commonly found on their backs, paddling their legs. Typical lesions found in dead birds are infected air sacs, membranes covering the heart and liver,  and meningitis.

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