Infectious Coryza
( CORYZA, ROUP ).



The curse of the backyard and show poultry industries! This disease causes more problems, lost production, heartache and frustration than even Mareks Disease. Treatment of infected birds as early as possible with Lincospectin (either powder or injection) will help save the flock. It is important that birds with chronic Coryza are culled. Good hygiene and careful buying of birds are part of the control of the disease.



Most poultry people have had birds with this disease and many have had to destroy good birds because of the disease. Coryza is caused primarily by one bacteria known as Haemophilus but is aided by the very common Mycoplasma. When both bacteria get a grip on the bird they can be difficult to shift.



Chickens, pheasants and guinea fowl are susceptible. They get swollen eyes, nasal discharge, swollen faces ( sinus swelling ) and sneezing. Badly affected birds will find it hard to see, will go off their food and some will die. Certainly production plummets and the show bench becomes a fairytale.



The disease is carried by chronically ill birds or even birds that are apparently healthy. These birds transmit the disease through droplets when they sneeze or cough. Other birds inhale or ingest the droplets either directly or via contaminated feed or water.



The disease may spread rapidly through a flock with many birds affected. The disease in the flock may be short lived or persist for many months with some birds that never regain full health (these are chronic carriers ).



Prevention is available as a vaccine, however like most vaccines for poultry it only comes in large dose vials (1000 doses to a vial ).