Comprehensive Prevention and Control Measures for Chicken Infectious Rhinitis

Comprehensive Prevention and Control Measures for Chicken Infectious Rhinitis

In recent years, the incidence of chicken infectious rhinitis has been gradually increasing, and varying degrees of rhinitis infections have occurred in various egg chicken farms, seriously affecting the efficiency of egg chicken breeding. Below, let's talk about the comprehensive prevention and control measures for chicken infectious rhinitis.

I. Clinical Symptoms:

In the early stages of the disease, the chicken's feed intake decreases. Some chickens have tears accumulating in the eye sockets, tears flowing, shaking their heads, sneezing, and nasal discharge of thin, watery mucus. As the disease progresses, swelling occurs in the eyelids and sinuses on one or both sides, with thick, foul-smelling secretions from the nostrils. After drying, yellow scabs form, causing difficulty in breathing. Egg production decreases by about 20%, and later, diarrhea occurs, with yellow-green loose stools.

II. Transmission Routes and Sources of Infection:

The disease is mainly spread by respiratory and digestive tract excretions of sick chickens. Latently infected chickens and sick chickens (especially those with chronic diseases) are the main sources of infection. The pathogens they excrete spread through dust, air, feed, and water. Drinking water contaminated by pathogens is often the main cause of the initial infection in chicken flocks.

III. Pathological Changes:

Mainly eyelids, facial, and wattles swelling. The sinus mucosa and nasal cavity show acute catarrhal inflammation, congestion, swelling, with large amounts of mucus on the surface, and exudates in the sinuses solidify, later becoming necrotic material. When conjunctivitis occurs, there is also necrotic material inside, with congestion and swelling of the conjunctiva, which can cause blindness if severe.

IV. Prevention Measures:

1. Enhance Feeding Management: Pay attention to feed formulation during breeding, ensure the supply of mineral elements and vitamins, and use electrolyte multivitamin drinking water. Regularly check the temperature of the chicken house and water temperature, and ensure an adequate supply of drinking water.

2. Do Disinfection Work: After the chickens leave, usually use 0.4% to 0.5% peracetic acid solution and 2% to 3% sodium hydroxide solution for spraying disinfection twice, then use fumigation method for disinfection once, and the house can only be entered by chickens after being vacant for 15 days. Use mild disinfectant, and the chicken house should be equipped with disinfection equipment, disinfecting with chickens once a week.

3. Develop a Reasonable Immunization Program: In general, the first immunization is carried out at the age of 25 to 35 days, and an intramuscular injection of 0.3mL/head of oil emulsion inactivated vaccine for rhinitis is used. The second immunization is at the age of 100 to 110 days, with an intramuscular injection of 0.5mL/head of oil emulsion inactivated vaccine for rhinitis.

V. Treatment Measures:

1. Sulfonamide drugs are the first choice for treating this disease (such as sulfadimidine, sulfadimethoxine, sulfamethoxypyridazine, etc.), with the initial dose doubled. For example, sulfadimethoxine: 0.2% mixed in feed, used for 3 to 4 days continuously.

2. Sufukang (compound sulfadimidine suspension): The initial dose is diluted with water to 300mL per bottle, and the maintenance dose is diluted with water to 500mL per bottle, used continuously for 4 days, with a 3-day interval, and then Sufukang is used again, continuously for 3 days.

3. For severely ill chickens, oxytetracycline 0.1% to 0.2% mixed in feed, used for 3 to 5 days. Erythromycin 0.05% to 0.02% in drinking water, used for 3 to 5 days. Streptomycin intramuscular injection, 100 mg per adult chicken, twice a day, used for 3 days.

4. Mixed medications: Sulfadimethoxine 50g, trimethoprim 20g, sodium bicarbonate 100g, added to 100kg of feed, used continuously for 5 days.

5. Traditional Chinese medicine prescription: Chinese motherwort, ledebouriella, dahurian angelica root, citrus seed, plantain, dark plum, poria cocos, 35g each, ginger, pinellia ternata, lapis, syringa, platycodon, scutellaria baicalensis, licorice, 27g each, crushed and mixed with feed, for 100 chickens per day, used continuously for 9 days.

Above is the introduction of the comprehensive prevention and control measures for chicken infectious rhinitis. The course of chicken infectious rhinitis is long, and the incidence rate is high, so comprehensive prevention and control measures should be taken seriously.

How to Prevent Infectious Diseases in Poultry

1. Enhanced Biosecurity: Implement strict biosecurity measures to prevent the entry of pathogens into poultry farms. This includes limiting visitor access, disinfecting vehicles, and controlling the movement of personnel.

2. Vaccination: Vaccinate poultry against common infectious diseases to reduce the risk of infection. Follow a recommended vaccination schedule based on the specific diseases prevalent in the area.

3. Sanitation: Maintain clean and hygienic conditions in poultry houses. Regularly clean and disinfect equipment, feeders, and drinkers to prevent the buildup and spread of pathogens.

4. Quarantine: Quarantine new birds before introducing them to the existing flock. This helps prevent the spread of diseases from new birds to healthy ones.

5. Proper Nutrition: Provide poultry with a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients. Proper nutrition helps maintain a strong immune system, reducing the risk of infections.

6. Monitoring and Surveillance: Regularly monitor poultry for signs of illness and promptly isolate any sick birds. Implement a surveillance system to detect and respond to infectious diseases early.

7. Control of Vectors: Control insects and rodents that can transmit diseases to poultry. Use insecticides and rodenticides as needed to reduce the risk of infection.

8. Education and Training: Educate poultry farmers and workers about the importance of biosecurity and disease prevention measures. Provide training on proper hygiene practices and disease recognition.

9. Veterinary Care: Establish a relationship with a veterinarian experienced in poultry health. Regular veterinary visits can help prevent and control infectious diseases.

By implementing these preventive measures, poultry farmers can reduce the risk of infectious diseases and promote the health and welfare of their flocks.

How to Prevent Chronic Respiratory Disease in Chickens

1. Enhanced Biosecurity: Implement strict biosecurity measures to prevent the introduction and spread of pathogens. This includes controlling access to the farm, disinfecting equipment and vehicles, and limiting contact with wild birds and other potential carriers of disease.

2. Vaccination: Vaccinate chickens against common respiratory pathogens, such as Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV) and Avian Influenza (AI), according to a recommended
   vaccination schedule.

3. Good Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation in chicken houses to reduce humidity and prevent the buildup of harmful gases, which can contribute to respiratory disease.

4. Cleanliness: Maintain clean and dry living conditions for chickens, including regular cleaning and disinfection of housing and equipment.

5. Nutrition: Provide a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to support the immune system and overall health of the chickens.

6. Stress Management: Minimize stress factors such as overcrowding, excessive noise, and sudden changes in environment, as stress can weaken the immune system and make chickens more susceptible to disease.

7. Early Detection and Treatment: Monitor the flock regularly for signs of respiratory disease and seek veterinary advice promptly if any symptoms are observed. Early detection and treatment can help prevent the spread of disease and minimize its impact on the flock.

8. Quarantine: Quarantine new birds before introducing them to the flock to prevent the spread of disease from potentially infected individuals.

9. Education and Training: Educate farm workers about the importance of biosecurity and disease prevention measures to ensure they are followed consistently.

By implementing these preventive measures, the risk of chronic respiratory disease in chickens can be significantly reduced, leading to healthier and more productive flocks.

Treating a Runny Nose in a Chicken

To treat a runny nose in a chicken, you can follow these steps:

1. Identify the Cause: Determine if the runny nose is due to infectious rhinitis or another underlying issue.

2. Isolate the Chicken: If the runny nose is due to an infectious disease, isolate the affected chicken to prevent the spread to other birds.

3. Provide Supportive Care: Keep the chicken warm and comfortable. Ensure access to clean water and a balanced diet to support recovery.

4. Administer Medication: Consult with a veterinarian to determine the appropriate medication. Sulfonamide drugs are commonly used to treat infectious rhinitis in chickens.

5. Follow Veterinary Advice: Follow the veterinarian's instructions for medication dosage and duration of treatment. Monitor the chicken's condition closely and seek veterinary help if there are any concerns.

6. Preventative Measures: Implement biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of infectious diseases in your flock. This includes regular cleaning and disinfection of the coop and equipment, as well as monitoring the health of all birds.

Remember, it's essential to consult with a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan for your chicken's runny nose.