Blackhead disease (histomoniasis) Blackhead disease (histomoniasis) is an important poultry disease that affects turkeys, chickens, and game birds such as partridges, pheasants, and quail. The disease is caused by the protozoa Histomonas meleagridis, tiny, single-celled organisms that are spread to the bird by the roundworm Heterakis gallinarum. Lifecycle…
Curled Toe Paralysis Disease Other Names: Hypovitaminosis B2, Riboflavin Deficiency Curly toe paralysis is caused by deficiency of riboflavin (vitamin B2) in young chicks. It is one of the most characteristic signs associated with the vitamin deficiency, resulting in the curling of the chick’s…
Botulism Disease Botulism is a disease caused by the ingestion of a toxin produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium. All domestic fowl and most wild birds are susceptible to the toxin's effects. Many human deaths have also been attributed to the consumption…
Spraddle leg A chick with spraddle legs looks as if it is trying to stand upright wearing roller skates: her feet keep sliding out from beneath her. It can be caused by brooding on a slick surface such as newspaper or by…
Erysipelas Disease Erysipelas is a bacterial disease caused by Erysipelothrix insidiosa. The disease affects several species of birds including chickens, ducks and geese, but the fowl in which it has been of primary importance is the turkey. Man is susceptible to infection…
Common chicken diseases Every year chicken farmers undergo huge losses due to diseases on the farm. Therefore disease management is a huge consideration for anyone wanting to run a viable chicken farming business. Being able to recognise and respond to a disease attack…
