Fowl Typhoid in Poultry Farming (Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatments) 

Fowl typhoid, a serious bacterial disease caused by Salmonella Gallinarum. This disease can affect birds of all ages, leading to significant losses in our flocks. Let’s explore the symptoms, preventive measures, and effective treatments to keep our birds healthy and thriving.

Symptoms of Fowl Typhoid

1. General Weakness: Birds exhibit lethargy, fatigue, and a drooping posture. They often isolate themselves from the flock.

2. Decreased Appetite: Notice a significant reduction in food and water intake. Birds may show no interest in eating or drinking.

3. Diarrhea: Watch out for yellowish or greenish watery droppings, a clear indicator of digestive issues.

4. Pale Comb and Wattles: Discoloration occurs due to anemia caused by the infection. The comb and wattles turn pale or white.

5. Weight Loss: Birds show noticeable reduction in body weight due to poor feed conversion and lack of appetite.

6. Dehydration: Sunken eyes and dry, flaky skin are signs of severe dehydration.

7. Ruffled Feathers: Birds appear unkempt and untidy, with feathers standing on end.

8. Swollen Abdomen: In severe cases, birds may exhibit a swollen abdomen due to internal infections.

9. Increased Mortality: Sudden deaths in the flock without prior visible symptoms can occur, especially in severe outbreaks.

Preventive Measures

1. Biosecurity:

  Restrict Access: Limit visitors to your poultry houses and ensure they follow strict sanitation protocols. Footbaths with disinfectant at the entry points are essential.

  Clean Environment: Regularly clean and disinfect poultry houses, equipment, and surrounding areas to prevent contamination.

 Dedicated Clothing: Use dedicated clothing and footwear for handling birds to avoid cross-contamination.

2. Vaccination:

 Consult a Veterinarian: While there are no specific vaccines for fowl typhoid, vaccinating against other Salmonella strains can provide some protection. A veterinarian can recommend the best vaccination program for your flock.

3. Clean Water and Feed:

 Sanitize Regularly: Ensure birds have access to clean, uncontaminated water and feed. Regularly clean and sanitize waterers and feeders to prevent bacterial growth.

 Proper Storage: Store feed in dry, clean areas to avoid contamination from rodents or other pests.

4. Rodent Control:

 Eliminate Rodents: Implement a rodent control program as rodents can carry and spread the bacteria. Use traps and rodenticides safely and effectively.

5. Quarantine New Birds:

 Isolation: Isolate new or sick birds from the flock for at least two weeks to monitor for any signs of disease before introducing them to the main flock.

 Synthetic Drugs

1. Antibiotics:

 Enrofloxacin: Administer 10 mg/kg body weight daily for 5-7 days. Ensure accurate dosing to avoid resistance.

 Tetracycline: Mix 400 g in 1,000 liters of drinking water for 7-10 days. Maintain proper water intake to ensure effective treatment.

 Florfenicol: Administer 20 mg/kg body weight for 5-7 days. Follow veterinary guidance for best results.

2. Sulfonamides:

 Sulfaquinoxaline: Mix 0.1% in drinking water for 3-5 days. Ensure continuous water supply during treatment.

 Organic Drugs

1. Garlic (Allium sativum)

 Preparation:

 Crush 10 cloves of garlic into a fine paste.

 Mix with 1 liter of water thoroughly.

 Let it sit for 24 hours to infuse.

 Strain the mixture to remove solid particles.

 Dosage: Add 20 ml of the garlic water to each liter of drinking water for 5-7 days. Garlic acts as a natural antibiotic and boosts the immune system.

2. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

 Preparation:

 Grind dried turmeric into a fine powder using a clean grinder.

 Mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder in 1 liter of water until fully dissolved.

 Dosage: Add this mixture to the birds’ drinking water daily for 7-10 days. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

3. Neem Leaves (Azadirachta indica)

 Preparation:

 Crush fresh neem leaves to release their juice.

 Boil 200 grams of neem leaves in 1 liter of water for 15 minutes.

 Allow it to cool and strain the liquid to remove leaf particles.

 Dosage: Add 50 ml of neem water to each liter of drinking water for 5-7 days. Neem leaves have potent antibacterial and antiparasitic effects.

4. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)

 Preparation:

 Extract the gel from fresh aloe vera leaves by cutting them open.

 Blend the gel with an equal amount of water to create a smooth mixture.

 Dosage: Add 20 ml of aloe vera solution to each liter of drinking water for 5-7 days. Aloe vera aids in detoxification and boosts immunity.

5. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

 Preparation:

 Grate fresh ginger finely.

 Boil 100 grams of ginger in 1 liter of water for 10 minutes to extract its properties.

 Cool and strain the liquid to remove ginger solids.

 Dosage: Add 20 ml of ginger water to each liter of drinking water for 5-7 days. Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.