Diseases of commercial gamebirds

Question 1

Name some gamebird spp in the UK

Answer 1

Grey partridge
Pheasant
Red grouse
Black grouse
Woodcock

Question 2

List some hatchery related problems in gamebirds

Answer 2

Hygiene and sanitations
* Measures in the farm
* Egg storage
* Egg transport
* Egg cleaning/wash
Incubator: Temperature, Ventilation, humidity

Question 3

List some problems of young chicks (day 2-14)

Answer 3

Yolk sac infection
Septicaemia
Starve out
Aspergillosis
Rotavirus

Question 4

What are the two main causes of yolk sac infections?

Answer 4

• Due to infections in eggs
• Due to environmental infection/spread

Question 5

How can ‘starve out’ chicks be identified?

Answer 5

• High mortality
• Lethargic chicks
• Empty gizzard or Gizzard containing bedding material

Question 6

What are the causes of starve out?

Answer 6

• Breeding flock unhealthy
• Prolong hatching period
• Chill-effect after hatch
• Temperature variation on arrival/house
• Environment – ammonia, heat, carbon
• Poor feed and water insufficient/distribution

Question 7

What are the signs of rotavirus in gamebirds?

Answer 7

Depression
Dropped wings
Closed eyes
Huddling
Ruffled feathers
Death

Question 8

What are the two sources of rotavirus infection?

Answer 8

Egg shell contamination
Environment

Question 9

How is rotavirus prevented?

Answer 9

• Frequent egg collection
• Egg cleaning and disinfection
• Cleaning and disinfection between flocks/pens/batches

Question 10

Spironucleus meleagridis causes similar disease to which parasite?

Answer 10

Trichomonas gallinae

Question 11

What are the clinical signs of Spironucleosis and Trichomoniasis?

Answer 11

Watery diarrhoea, often yellow and frothy
Dehydration
Weight loss
Depression, lethargy
Death

Question 12

Describe the type of environment which increases the risk for Spironucleosis and Trichomoniasis?

Answer 12

Wet and moist environment
Overcrowding, stress

Question 13

How are Spironucleosis and Trichomoniasis diagnosed and differentiated?

Answer 13

Necropsy, from fresh SI make smear and examine under microscope, differentiate the protozoa
* Duodenum and ileum = spironucleus
* Caecum = trichomonas

Question 14

How are Spironucleosis and Trichomoniasis prevented?

Answer 14

Keep environment dry and clean
Avoid water leakages
Substances that can desiccate these protozoa
Reduce stocking density

Question 15

Coccidiosis is caused by which agent?

Answer 15

Eimeria spp

Question 16

What are the clinical signs of coccidiosis?

Answer 16

Weight loss, lethargy, ruffle feathers, dropped wings, death

Question 17

How is coccidiosis diagnosed?

Answer 17

Necropsy, gut smear for microscopic examination, faecal analysis

Question 18

How is coccidiosis prevented?

Answer 18

Decrease stocking density
In-feed coccidiostat
Keep environment dry and clean

Question 19

What are some diseases of releasing poults?

Answer 19

Enteritis
Stress
Spironucleosis
Trichomoniasis
Coccidiosis
Bacterial infections
Parasites – worms

Question 20

What are some causes of stress in releasing poults

Answer 20

• Chill-effect following release to new environment/outside
• Transport stress: ventilation, withholding food/water
• Unfamiliar environment
• Searching for food and water
• Exposure to predators

Question 21

What are the consequences of parasitic worm build ups in breeder birds?

Answer 21

High mortality
Poor food conversion
Weight ain

Question 22

Name some parasitic worms of breeder birds

Answer 22

• S trachea (gape worm)
• Heterakis gallinarum
• Capillaria spp
• Ascarid spp

Question 23

What are the clinical signs of mycoplasma infections in gamebirds

Answer 23

• Swelling of infraorbital sinuses
• Eyes, nose and eye discharges
• Breathing difficulties
• Weight loss and death
• Decreased egg production and hatchability/chick quality
• Lameness

Question 24

How are Mycoplasma infections prevented/treated?

Answer 24

Prevention:- Vaccine
Treatment:- Antibiotics, macrolides

Question 25

Describe coronavirus infection signs in adult gamebirds

Answer 25

Sudden death, urates in kidneys, drop in egg production/hatchability

Question 26

Describe coronavirus infection signs in young gamebirds

Answer 26

Swollen kidneys, urates deposition of visceral organs

Question 27

How are coronavirus infections in gamebirds prevented/treated?

Answer 27

• No specific treatment
• Some use IBV vaccines against this coronavirus
• Biosecurity – top priority

Question 28

What are the signs of Newcastle disease in gamebirds?

Answer 28

Dullness, depression, diarrhoea, neurological
Drop in egg production/quality