Poultry Disease Infections

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Questions and Answers

What type of bacteria is involved in nearly 50% of infertility problems in cattle?

Fungus

Gram-negative rods (correct)

Virus

Gram-positive rods

Which virus is a common cause of diarrhoea in young dairy calves?

Rotavirus (correct)

Coronavirus

ETEC

All of the above

How is rotavirus primarily transmitted?

Faecal-oral transmission (correct)

Direct contact with infected animals

Through contaminated feed

Via airborne transmission

What is a characteristic of bovine rotavirus?

It is a non-enveloped RNA virus Signup and view all the answers

What is a common outcome of rotavirus infection in calves?

Both A and B Signup and view all the answers

Which Salmonella subspecies is commonly associated with diarrhoea in calves?

S. enterica subsp. Enterica Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial factor in the presentation and spread of disease in poultry?

Flock size and age of flock Signup and view all the answers

What is the aim of biosecurity in poultry farming?

To keep disease out and limit its spread Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an optional vaccination for broilers?

Coccidiosis Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of immunity at hatch in poultry?

It provides some protection against disease Signup and view all the answers

Why is vaccination extremely important in poultry farming?

Biosecurity and vaccination are crucial in preventing disease Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for limiting the entry of vehicles into poultry farms?

To prevent the entry of disease Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of footbaths and dedicated boots in poultry farm biosecurity?

To prevent the spread of disease Signup and view all the answers

Why are rodents and wild birds considered a threat in poultry farming?

They can carry diseases and parasites Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mode of transmission of E. coli in poultry?

Inhalation or ingestion of contaminated feces Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary effect of Marek's disease on birds?

Respiratory signs and poor growth Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of control measures for Marek's disease?

Prevention of transmission through vaccination and good hygiene Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of a parasite that infects only one host species as part of its lifecycle?

Direct lifecycle Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mode of transmission of Marek's disease?

Inhalation of contaminated dust and dander Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of vaccination in Marek's disease control?

To prevent transmission of the disease Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of E. coli in poultry?

It is a bacterium that causes respiratory and gastrointestinal signs Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of management practices in intensive poultry production?

To reduce the incidence of disease Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Colibacillosis

Secondary infections are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in all ages
Present in shed from faecal contamination, and infection occurs via inhalation or ingestion
Incubation period is 3-5 days
Frequently associated with other pathogens
Effects include respiratory signs and poor growth
Control measures include flock treatment with antibiotics (though infrequently used), culling of sick birds, good hygiene, cleaning, and disinfection, and ensuring a good water supply

Marek's Disease

Caused by a herpesvirus, leading to immunosuppression
Stress and other factors affect the level of disease
Subclinical disease can occur
Syndromes include paralysis (transient or permanent) and tumours in internal organs and skin
The virus is shed in dander for life and is inhaled (horizontal transmission)
Contagious with acute Marek's disease having a morbidity of 10-50% and mortality up to 100%
Control measures include vaccination (with in-ovo vaccination for broilers being very effective) and culling affected birds from the flock

Introduction to Parasites

A parasite is an organism that lives on (ecto) or in (endo) a host organism and gets its food from or at the expense of its host
A parasite that infects only one host as part of its lifecycle has a direct life cycle
A parasite that must infect more than one host species to complete its lifecycle has a complex or indirect life cycle
Factors affecting transmission and spread include ventilation, movement/introduction of animals, and management system

Disease Presentation and Spread

Factors affecting disease presentation and spread include flock size and age of flock, housing type, management system, vaccination status, hygiene, ventilation, and stocking density
The aim of biosecurity is to keep disease out and in, preventing entry of disease onto the property and limiting the spread of disease between sheds and farms

Host Factors

No colostrum, with some Ig transferred via yolk sac
Vertical transmission is via egg
Immunity at hatch is important, and vaccination programs are crucial

Vaccination

Vaccination programs include in-ovo vaccination for broilers and day-old vaccination for Marek's disease, infectious bronchitis, Newcastle disease, infectious bursal disease, and salmonella
Optional vaccinations include infectious laryngotracheitis virus, salmonella, and coccidiosis

Antibiotics

Antibiotics have limited selection and use, are used for whole flocks only, and have withholding periods for egg and broiler production
Viruses are not affected by antibiotics, and biosecurity and vaccination are extremely important

Biosecurity

Biosecurity measures include limiting vehicle entry, shower facilities, site-specific vehicles, and disinfecting equipment
People entry is limited, with shower facilities, site clothing, and hand washing
Rodents, wild birds, insects, cats, and foxes are excluded, and netting and rodent baiting are used
Free-range farms have specific biosecurity measures

Fetus Subspecies Venerealis

A gram-negative rod, fetus subspecies venerealis is involved in nearly 50% of infertility problems
It causes infertility, poor conception, increased returns, and sporadic abortions
Reduced calving rates occur, and it can cause permanent infertility in cows and heifers
Cow-bull AI requires good hygiene to prevent transmission

Mastitis and Diarrhea in Young Dairy Calves

Calf diarrhea can be caused by rotavirus, coronavirus, ETEC, and salmonella
Transmission occurs via faecal-oral transmission, contaminated manure, and feeding equipment
Rotavirus is a non-enveloped RNA virus, surviving months in faeces and being chlorine resistant
Disease presentation includes diarrhea, secondary bacterial infection, and dehydration if incorrectly managed

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Description

This quiz covers infections in poultry, including causes, transmission, symptoms, and control measures. Learn about the impact of secondary infections on poultry health and mortality.