Poultry disease refers to any illness or condition that affects domesticated birds kept for their meat, eggs, or feathers. It encompasses a wide range of contagious and non-contagious diseases that can affect poultry species such as chickens, ducks, turkeys, and geese.
Poultry diseases can be caused by various factors, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, nutritional deficiencies, and environmental factors. These diseases can have significant economic impacts on the poultry industry, as they can cause decreased productivity, increased mortality rates, and reduced quality of poultry products.
Common poultry diseases include avian influenza, Newcastle disease, infectious bursal disease, coccidiosis, infectious bronchitis, and Marek's disease, among others. Symptoms of poultry diseases can vary widely depending on the specific disease, but may include respiratory distress, abnormal behaviors, decreased egg production, diarrhea, weight loss, swelling, and mortality.
Prevention and control of poultry diseases are crucial for maintaining the health and productivity of flocks. This can involve strict biosecurity measures, vaccination programs, proper nutrition, regular monitoring and surveillance, effective cleaning and disinfection protocols, and prompt identification and treatment of sick birds.
Given the global significance of the poultry industry for food security and economic stability, the prevention, diagnosis, and management of poultry diseases are essential for ensuring the welfare of poultry populations and reducing the risk of transmission to humans through zoonotic diseases.
