Diseases of Rainy Seasons and Their Prevention in Poultry

Prof. (Dr.) P.K. Shukla and Dr. Amitav Bhattacharyya

Department of Poultry Science,

College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Mathura- 281001 (U.P.)

Rainy seasons can pose significant challenges to poultry health, as the wet and humid conditions can create an environment conducive to various diseases. Poultry production during the rainy season presents unique challenges but can be managed effectively with careful planning and management. By considering these factors and implementing appropriate management practices, poultry farmers can successfully navigate the challenges of the rainy season, ensuring the health and productivity of their flocks.

Points to be considered for poultry farming during rainy season

Poultry farming during the rainy season requires special attention to prevent disease outbreaks and ensure the well-being of the flock.

Housing and Shelter

1. Weatherproof Structures:
   • Ensure poultry houses are well-constructed to keep out rain and moisture.
   • Use materials that are durable and resistant to water damage.
2. Ventilation:
   • Maintain good airflow to reduce humidity and prevent respiratory issues.
   • Use fans and vents to keep the air moving and reduce dampness.
3. Drainage:
   • Implement effective drainage systems around the poultry house to prevent waterlogging.
   • Elevate coops and use slatted or raised flooring to keep birds off wet ground.

Litter Management

1. Dry Bedding:
   • Use absorbent materials like straw, wood shavings, or rice hulls.
   • Change or refresh bedding regularly to keep it dry and clean.
2. Litter Depth:
   • Maintain an appropriate litter depth to manage moisture and reduce pathogen load.

Feed and Water Management

1. Feed Storage:
   • Store feed in dry, cool places to prevent Mold growth.
   • Use feed bins with lids to protect feed from moisture.
2. Water Supply:
   • Ensure clean, fresh water is available at all times.
   • Regularly clean and disinfect water containers to prevent contamination.

Health and Disease Management

1. Biosecurity:
   • Implement strict biosecurity measures to prevent disease introduction and spread.
   • Use footbaths, disinfectant mats, and restrict access to the poultry area.
2. Vaccination:
   • Follow recommended vaccination schedules to protect against common diseases.
   • Ensure all birds are vaccinated appropriately and on time.
3. Health Monitoring:
   • Regularly check birds for signs of illness and take prompt action if any issues are detected.
   • Isolate sick birds to prevent disease spread.
4. Parasite Control:
   • Regularly treat birds for internal and external parasites.
   • Monitor for signs of infestation and take preventive measures.

Nutritional Management

1. Balanced Diet:
   • Provide a balanced diet that meets the nutritional needs of the birds.
   • Consider adding vitamin and mineral supplements, especially vitamin C and E, to boost the immune system.
2. Feed Quality:
   • Ensure feed is of high quality and not contaminated with Mold or toxins.
   • Avoid using damp or mouldy feed.

Environmental Management

1. Temperature Control:
   • Use heaters or brooders to maintain optimal temperature, especially for young chicks.
   • Ensure proper insulation to keep the interior temperature stable.
2. Light Management:
   • Ensure adequate lighting, especially if natural light is limited due to overcast skies.
   • Use artificial lights to maintain consistent light exposure.

Record Keeping

1. Monitor and Record:
   • Keep detailed records of feed intake, health checks, vaccination schedules, and any disease outbreaks.
   • Use records to track performance and make informed management decisions.

Pest Control

1. Rodent Control:
   • Implement measures to control rodents, which can spread diseases and contaminate feed.
   • Use traps, baits, and rodent-proof feed storage.
2. Insect Control:
   • Control insect populations, such as flies and mosquitoes, which can transmit diseases.
   • Use insecticides, traps, and maintain cleanliness to reduce breeding grounds.

Emergency Preparedness

1. Flood Management:
   • Have a plan in place for potential flooding, including evacuation routes and alternative housing options.
   • Keep emergency supplies, such as feed and water, in easily accessible locations.
2. Disaster Plan:
   • Develop a disaster plan to respond to extreme weather events.
   • Train staff on emergency procedures and response actions.

Predisposing factors for various disease of poultry in rainy season

Predisposing factors for various diseases in poultry during the rainy season are influenced by environmental, management, and biological aspects. These factors create conditions that are conducive to the proliferation and transmission of pathogens. Some important key predisposing factors for various poultry diseases during the rainy season are:

1. High Humidity and Moisture

• Description: The rainy season brings increased humidity and moisture in the environment.
• Impact: High moisture levels can promote the growth of Mold, bacteria, and parasites.
• Diseases: Coccidiosis, Aspergillosis, Fowl Cholera.

2. Poor Ventilation

• Description: Enclosed or poorly ventilated coops can trap moisture and ammonia from droppings.
• Impact: Leads to respiratory issues and the spread of airborne pathogens.
• Diseases: Infectious Coryza, Aspergillosis, Newcastle Disease.

3. Accumulation of Wet Litter

• Description: Wet and dirty litter due to rainwater ingress or poor drainage.
• Impact: Provides a propagation ground for bacteria and parasites.
• Diseases: Coccidiosis, Aspergillosis, Fowl Cholera.

4. Standing Water

• Description: Puddles and standing water around the poultry house.
• Impact: Attracts insects like mosquitoes and flies, which can transmit diseases.
• Diseases: Fowl Pox.

5. Temperature Fluctuations

• Description: Rainy seasons often come with fluctuations in temperature.
• Impact: Stress on birds, weakening their immune system.
• Diseases: Newcastle Disease, Infectious Coryza.

6. Overcrowding

• Description: Higher stocking densities due to farmers consolidating birds into fewer dry areas.
• Impact: Increases stress and the spread of infectious agents.
• Diseases: Coccidiosis, Fowl Cholera, Infectious Coryza.

7. Poor Sanitation Practices

• Description: Infrequent cleaning and disinfection of poultry houses.
• Impact: Build-up of pathogens in the environment.
• Diseases: Fowl Cholera, Infectious Coryza, Coccidiosis.

8. Presence of Wild Birds and Rodents

• Description: Wild birds and rodents seeking shelter from the rain.
• Impact: Can introduce and spread diseases.
• Diseases: Newcastle Disease, Fowl Cholera.

9. Contaminated Feed and Water

• Description: Wet feed and contaminated water sources.
• Impact: Growth of Mold and bacteria in feed and water.
• Diseases: Aspergillosis, Coccidiosis, Fowl Cholera.

10. Missed Vaccination

• Description: Inadequate or missed vaccinations.
• Impact: Increased susceptibility to infectious diseases.
• Diseases: Newcastle Disease, Fowl Pox.

11. Suboptimal Nutritional Status

• Description: Nutritional deficiencies due to changes in feed quality or availability.
• Impact: Weakens the immune system of the birds.
• Diseases: Various infectious diseases.

12. Poor Drainage Systems

• Description: Inadequate drainage leading to water accumulation around the coop.
• Impact: Creates a damp environment that is conducive to pathogen growth.
• Diseases: Coccidiosis, Aspergillosis.

Health hazards to poultry during rainy season

During the rainy season, poultry are exposed to several health hazards that can impact their well-being, productivity, and survival.

1. Respiratory Diseases

• Cause: Increased humidity, poor ventilation, and ammonia buildup from wet litter.
• Examples: Infectious Coryza, Aspergillosis, Newcastle Disease.
• Symptoms: Sneezing, coughing, nasal discharge, difficulty breathing.

2. Parasitic Infections

• Cause: Wet and dirty conditions favour the growth of parasites.
• Examples: Coccidiosis, Roundworms, Mites.
• Symptoms: Diarrhoea, lethargy, weight loss, poor growth, feather loss.

3. Bacterial Infections

• Cause: Damp conditions and contamination from water and feed.
• Examples: Fowl Cholera, E. coli infections, Salmonellosis.
• Symptoms: Swelling of the wattles, comb, and face, diarrhoea, joint pain, sudden death.

4. Fungal Infections

• Cause: Mold growth in damp feed and bedding.
• Examples: Aspergillosis.
• Symptoms: Respiratory distress, lethargy, loss of appetite.

5. Viral Diseases

• Cause: Spread through contaminated water, feed, and contact with wild birds.
• Examples: Newcastle Disease, Avian Influenza, Fowl Pox.
• Symptoms: Respiratory issues, nervous signs, reduced egg production, lesions.

6. Nutritional Deficiencies

• Cause: Poor feed quality due to Mold or dampness, reduced feed intake due to stress or illness.
• Examples: Deficiency of vitamins and minerals.
• Symptoms: Poor growth, feather abnormalities, weak immune system.

7. Heat Stress

• Cause: High humidity and temperature fluctuations.
• Symptoms: Panting, reduced feed intake, decreased egg production, lethargy.

8. Mycotoxicosis

• Cause: Consumption of mouldy feed contaminated with mycotoxins.
• Symptoms: Poor growth, immunosuppression, liver damage, reduced egg production.

9. Foot Problems

• Cause: Prolonged contact with wet, dirty litter.
• Examples: Bumblefoot, footpad dermatitis.
• Symptoms: Swelling, lameness, lesions on the feet.

10. Pest Infestations

• Cause: Increased presence of insects and rodents seeking shelter from the rain.
• Examples: Lice, mites, rodent infestations.
• Symptoms: Feather loss, itching, skin irritation, contamination of feed and water.

Prevention and Management Strategies

To mitigate these health hazards, poultry farmers should implement the following strategies:

1. Maintain Dry Housing: Ensure proper drainage and use absorbent bedding to keep the coop dry.
2. Ventilation: Improve ventilation to reduce humidity and ammonia buildup.
3. Sanitation: Regularly clean and disinfect the coop, feeders, and waterers.
4. Feed and Water Quality: Store feed in a dry place and provide clean water. Avoid using mouldy feed.
5. Biosecurity: Implement strict biosecurity measures to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases.
6. Vaccination: Follow recommended vaccination schedules to protect against viral and bacterial diseases.
7. Parasite Control: Regularly treat birds for parasites and monitor for signs of infestation.
8. Nutritional Support: Provide a balanced diet and consider adding supplements to boost the immune system.
9. Monitor Health: Regularly check birds for signs of illness and take prompt action if any issues are detected.
10. Pest Control: Implement measures to control rodents and insects around the poultry house.

By taking these preventive measures, farmers can reduce the impact of health hazards on their poultry during the rainy season and maintain a healthy and productive flock.

Common Diseases of Poultry During Rainy Season

1. Coccidiosis
   • Cause: Protozoa of the genus Eimeria.
   • Symptoms: Bloody diarrhoea, lethargy, loss of appetite, ruffled feathers, and poor growth.
   • Prevention:
     • Maintain dry and clean-living conditions.
     • Regularly clean and disinfect the coop.
     • Use coccidiostats in feed or water as a preventive measure.
     • Ensure proper drainage to avoid waterlogging.
2. Newcastle Disease
   • Cause: Avian paramyxovirus.
   • Symptoms: Respiratory distress, coughing, sneezing, greenish diarrhoea, reduced egg production, nervous signs such as tremors and twisted necks.
   • Prevention:
     • Vaccination.
     • Strict biosecurity measures to prevent virus introduction.
     • Avoiding contact with wild birds and other infected poultry.
     • Quarantine new birds before introducing them to the flock.
3. Fowl Cholera
   • Cause: Bacteria Pasteurella multocida.
   • Symptoms: Swelling of the wattles, comb, and face, fever, joint pain, diarrhoea, sudden death.
   • Prevention:
     • Vaccination.
     • Good sanitation practices.
     • Rodent control to prevent the spread of bacteria.
     • Isolate sick birds to prevent the spread.
4. Infectious Coryza
   • Cause: Bacteria Avibacterium paragallinarum.
   • Symptoms: Nasal discharge, swelling of the face and wattles, sneezing, conjunctivitis, reduced egg production.
   • Prevention:
     • Good biosecurity and hygiene practices.
     • Vaccination in endemic areas.
     • Quarantine new birds.
5. Aspergillosis
   • Cause: Fungus Aspergillus fumigatus.
   • Symptoms: Respiratory distress, gasping, lethargy, loss of appetite.
   • Prevention:
     • Keep litter dry and clean.
     • Ensure proper ventilation in the coop.
     • Avoid using mouldy feed or bedding.
6. Fowl Pox
   • Cause: Avian poxvirus.
   • Symptoms: Wart-like lesions on the comb, wattles, and feet; diphtheritic lesions in the mouth and throat.
   • Prevention:
     • Vaccination.
     • Control mosquito populations, as they can spread the virus.
     • Maintain good coop hygiene.

General Prevention Measures

• Coop Maintenance: Regularly clean and disinfect the poultry house to minimize the presence of pathogens.
• Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation to reduce humidity and prevent respiratory diseases.
• Feed and Water: Provide clean and dry feed and water. Avoid using mouldy or contaminated feed.
• Drainage: Ensure proper drainage around the poultry house to avoid waterlogging and standing water.
• Biosecurity: Implement strict biosecurity measures to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases. This includes restricting access to the poultry area, using footbaths, and disinfecting equipment and vehicles.
• Vaccination: Follow a regular vaccination schedule to protect against common diseases.
• Rodent Control: Implement measures to control rodents, which can spread diseases.
• Quarantine: Isolate new or sick birds to prevent the spread of disease to the healthy flock.

By following these preventive measures, poultry farmers can minimize the risk of disease outbreaks during the rainy season and maintain the health and productivity of their flocks.