Sunday, January 10, 2010
Salmonella Pullorum when Raising Quail
Pullorum Disease
Pullorum disease is an acute or chronic infectious, bacterial disease affecting primarily chickens and turkeys, but most domestic and wild fowl can be infected.
The cause is a bacterium named Salmonella pullorum. This organism is primarily egg transmitted, but transmission may occur by other means such as:
* Infected hen to egg, egg to chick, or chick to chick in incubator, chick box, brooder, or house. Survivors become infected breeders (cycle begins again),
* Mechanical transmission (carried around on clothes, shoes or equipment),
* Carrier birds (apparently healthy birds shed the disease organisms),
* Contaminated premises (from previous outbreaks).
Disease organisms may enter the bird through the respiratory (as in the incubator) or digestive systems. Most outbreaks of acute pullorum disease in chickens or turkeys result from infection while in the hatchery.
Pullorum disease is highly fatal to young chicks or poults, but mature birds are more resistant. Young birds may die soon after hatching without exhibiting any observable signs. Most acute outbreaks occur in birds that are under three weeks of age. Mortality in such outbreaks may approach ninety percent if untreated. Survivors are usually stunted and unthrifty. Infection in young birds may be indicated by droopiness, ruffled feathers, a chilled appearance with birds huddling near a source of heat, labored breathing, and presence of a white diarrhea with a "pasted-down" appearance around the vent. The white diarrhea symptom instigated the term "bacillary white diarrhea" that was commonly associated with this disease at one time. Gross lesions may be lacking in some adult birds.
Diagnosis in young birds is made by isolating the causative organism in the laboratory. In older birds, blood testing may indicate an infection but a positive diagnosis depends upon isolation and identification of the organism by laboratory procedures.
Complete eradication is the only sound way to prevent pullorum disease. All hatchery supply flocks should be tested and only pullorum-free flocks used as a source of hatching eggs. Purchase chicks or poults from hatcheries that are officially recognized as "Pullorum Clean" by National Poultry Improvement Plan representatives in your state.
Treatment primarily is a salvage operation and does not prevent birds from becoming carriers. Consequently, do not keep recovered flocks for egg production. Among the drugs used to treat pullorum disease are furazolidone, gentamycin sulfate, and sulfa drugs (sulfadimethoxine, sulfamethazine, and sulfamerazine).
All the information above can be found at www.msucares.com. It is to be used for educational purposes only.
We at www.howtoraisequail.com take no responsibility for the use or outcome of this information.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find out more about Raising Quail visit:
How to Raise Quail.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Pullorum disease is an acute or chronic infectious, bacterial disease affecting primarily chickens and turkeys, but most domestic and wild fowl can be infected.
The cause is a bacterium named Salmonella pullorum. This organism is primarily egg transmitted, but transmission may occur by other means such as:
* Infected hen to egg, egg to chick, or chick to chick in incubator, chick box, brooder, or house. Survivors become infected breeders (cycle begins again),
* Mechanical transmission (carried around on clothes, shoes or equipment),
* Carrier birds (apparently healthy birds shed the disease organisms),
* Contaminated premises (from previous outbreaks).
Disease organisms may enter the bird through the respiratory (as in the incubator) or digestive systems. Most outbreaks of acute pullorum disease in chickens or turkeys result from infection while in the hatchery.
Pullorum disease is highly fatal to young chicks or poults, but mature birds are more resistant. Young birds may die soon after hatching without exhibiting any observable signs. Most acute outbreaks occur in birds that are under three weeks of age. Mortality in such outbreaks may approach ninety percent if untreated. Survivors are usually stunted and unthrifty. Infection in young birds may be indicated by droopiness, ruffled feathers, a chilled appearance with birds huddling near a source of heat, labored breathing, and presence of a white diarrhea with a "pasted-down" appearance around the vent. The white diarrhea symptom instigated the term "bacillary white diarrhea" that was commonly associated with this disease at one time. Gross lesions may be lacking in some adult birds.
Diagnosis in young birds is made by isolating the causative organism in the laboratory. In older birds, blood testing may indicate an infection but a positive diagnosis depends upon isolation and identification of the organism by laboratory procedures.
Complete eradication is the only sound way to prevent pullorum disease. All hatchery supply flocks should be tested and only pullorum-free flocks used as a source of hatching eggs. Purchase chicks or poults from hatcheries that are officially recognized as "Pullorum Clean" by National Poultry Improvement Plan representatives in your state.
Treatment primarily is a salvage operation and does not prevent birds from becoming carriers. Consequently, do not keep recovered flocks for egg production. Among the drugs used to treat pullorum disease are furazolidone, gentamycin sulfate, and sulfa drugs (sulfadimethoxine, sulfamethazine, and sulfamerazine).
All the information above can be found at www.msucares.com. It is to be used for educational purposes only.
We at www.howtoraisequail.com take no responsibility for the use or outcome of this information.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find out more about Raising Quail visit:
How to Raise Quail.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Is Raising Quail As A Hobby Worth My Time?
I recently received an email asking me if raising quail as a hobby would be worth their time. I felt like this was a hard question to answer but an interesting one. So I am putting the answer here to give anyone a little insight on what is required.
I'm sorry but I really don't know how to answer your question. I have no idea what type of hobby you would consider to be worth your time.
That being said, I can only answer it this way.
If you are looking for a hobby that you will have to dedicate some time to, raising quail could be for you. If you are looking for a hobby that requires a certain amount of knowledge to have a chance of things going right, raising quail could be for you. If you can afford to get the equipment needed or you are handy enough and willing to build some of the items needed for this hobby, raising quail could be for you. If you would enjoy the highs of watching quail eggs progress from being just eggs to living small little creatures picking their way through the shell when the incubation period is over, raising quail could be for you.
There will also be times when even if you have done everything right, you may have a very bad or no hatch rate. This is something that will always be in the back of your mind. Would you be willing to go through this and put it behind you. If so raising quail could be for you.
If one or more of your quail get sick, would you be willing to contact an avian lab and follow the instructions they give you, to do what is required. Even though most quail disease can be prevented with proper management, there is still a chance it can happen. If it does and you don't handle it swiftly and properly you could lose your whole flock. If you are prepared and willing to do this, raising quail could be for you.
So basically what I am saying is that raising quail can be a very fun and rewarding hobby. It does involve time and knowledge. There will also be extreme highs but there is also a chance of complete devastation. You just need to take the time to learn as much as possible before you start. If you do this, you will get more enjoyment out of raising quail than disappointment.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find out more about Raising Quail visit:
How to Raise Quail.com
Copyright © Gary Ortlieb
-----------------------------------------------------------------
I'm sorry but I really don't know how to answer your question. I have no idea what type of hobby you would consider to be worth your time.
That being said, I can only answer it this way.
If you are looking for a hobby that you will have to dedicate some time to, raising quail could be for you. If you are looking for a hobby that requires a certain amount of knowledge to have a chance of things going right, raising quail could be for you. If you can afford to get the equipment needed or you are handy enough and willing to build some of the items needed for this hobby, raising quail could be for you. If you would enjoy the highs of watching quail eggs progress from being just eggs to living small little creatures picking their way through the shell when the incubation period is over, raising quail could be for you.
There will also be times when even if you have done everything right, you may have a very bad or no hatch rate. This is something that will always be in the back of your mind. Would you be willing to go through this and put it behind you. If so raising quail could be for you.
If one or more of your quail get sick, would you be willing to contact an avian lab and follow the instructions they give you, to do what is required. Even though most quail disease can be prevented with proper management, there is still a chance it can happen. If it does and you don't handle it swiftly and properly you could lose your whole flock. If you are prepared and willing to do this, raising quail could be for you.
So basically what I am saying is that raising quail can be a very fun and rewarding hobby. It does involve time and knowledge. There will also be extreme highs but there is also a chance of complete devastation. You just need to take the time to learn as much as possible before you start. If you do this, you will get more enjoyment out of raising quail than disappointment.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find out more about Raising Quail visit:
How to Raise Quail.com
Copyright © Gary Ortlieb
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
What Can Cause Poor Hatch Rates When Raising Quail?
There can be a number of reasons for quail eggs not hatching. Breeding, feeding, and management of the egg production flock; care of the eggs before incubation; and the incubation environment: these all cause bad hatch rates
When raising quail, you absolutely need to know how to care for the quail eggs and your breeder stock. If you don't do it properly, here are some of the problems you may have:
1. Candling your quail eggs after about 7 days of incubating, the inside of the eggs are clear with no blood ring or embryo growth.
Possible causes for this problem:
a. Infertile eggs.
b. Breeding quail not compatible.
c. quail eggs not being stored properly, Quail egg storage area below 40 degrees.
d. Eggs held to long before incubating.
e. Eggs taken from storage and put in incubator before reaching room temperature.
2. Candled quail eggs are clear with some blood and small embryo.
Possible causes for this problem:
a. Incubation setting to high.
b. Storing eggs improperly, temperature below 40 degrees or above 60 degrees
c. Eggs taken from storage and put in incubator before reaching room temperature.
3. Dead embryo's before hatch is due.
Possible causes for this problem:
a. Quail eggs not being turned enough.
b. Lack of oxygen
c. Incubator to hot or to cold.
d. Breeder's not getting a good layer diet.
4. Chicks pip but do not hatch.
Possible causes for this problem:
a. Improper humidity, not raised by 20 percent 3 days before hatch.
b. Incubator temperature to low during incubation period.
c. Temperature may have spiked without your knowledge.
5. Eggs hatching early, with abnormalities.
Possible cause for this problem:
a. Temperature to high
.
6. Quail eggs not hatching on time.
Possible cause for this problem
a. Temperature not at proper hatching temperature.
7. Quail chicks hatch and show early problems.
Possible causes for this problem:
a. Breeders were inbred's.
b. Breeder stock were not managed properly.
c. Incubator set to hot.
When raising quaill and incubating your own eggs, every hatch is not going to be great. Sometimes you may run into problems. What I have listed above is just some of the problems you may have and some possible causes.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find out more about Raising Quail visit:
How to Raise Quail.com
Copyright © Gary Ortlieb
-----------------------------------------------------------------
When raising quail, you absolutely need to know how to care for the quail eggs and your breeder stock. If you don't do it properly, here are some of the problems you may have:
1. Candling your quail eggs after about 7 days of incubating, the inside of the eggs are clear with no blood ring or embryo growth.
Possible causes for this problem:
a. Infertile eggs.
b. Breeding quail not compatible.
c. quail eggs not being stored properly, Quail egg storage area below 40 degrees.
d. Eggs held to long before incubating.
e. Eggs taken from storage and put in incubator before reaching room temperature.
2. Candled quail eggs are clear with some blood and small embryo.
Possible causes for this problem:
a. Incubation setting to high.
b. Storing eggs improperly, temperature below 40 degrees or above 60 degrees
c. Eggs taken from storage and put in incubator before reaching room temperature.
3. Dead embryo's before hatch is due.
Possible causes for this problem:
a. Quail eggs not being turned enough.
b. Lack of oxygen
c. Incubator to hot or to cold.
d. Breeder's not getting a good layer diet.
4. Chicks pip but do not hatch.
Possible causes for this problem:
a. Improper humidity, not raised by 20 percent 3 days before hatch.
b. Incubator temperature to low during incubation period.
c. Temperature may have spiked without your knowledge.
5. Eggs hatching early, with abnormalities.
Possible cause for this problem:
a. Temperature to high
.
6. Quail eggs not hatching on time.
Possible cause for this problem
a. Temperature not at proper hatching temperature.
7. Quail chicks hatch and show early problems.
Possible causes for this problem:
a. Breeders were inbred's.
b. Breeder stock were not managed properly.
c. Incubator set to hot.
When raising quaill and incubating your own eggs, every hatch is not going to be great. Sometimes you may run into problems. What I have listed above is just some of the problems you may have and some possible causes.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find out more about Raising Quail visit:
How to Raise Quail.com
Copyright © Gary Ortlieb
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Raising Quail and Candling Eggs.
When raising quail and incubating eggs, you may want to think about purchasing a candling device. This device is just a small little light which can be purchased on the internet for a small amount of money. This small little lighting device can be an important tool to your have for your quail raising venture.
When raising quail, it is very likely that you will be incubating eggs. You place your eggs in the incubator with very high expectations and then begin to count down the days until hatch.
By candling your eggs after about 5 days you should start to see some embryo development. If it is developing properly, you should start to notice a pinkish cast. If you don't notice any change inside the egg, especially by day 10 and the inside of the egg remains clear. It is time to pitch the clear eggs, they are not fertile.
When the egg starts to reach the end of incubation, the inside of the egg should look dark except for the little air pocket.
Candling eggs will have no effect on your incubation time and will not hurt your eggs. You just have to handle the eggs with care and dont candle them more than a couple times during incubation.
Also when candling, be precise and do this process in a way to be gentle yet quick as to not let the temperature of the egg cool to much.
When raising quail learning how to handle eggs gently is very important and learning the process of candling can save you disappointment.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find out more about Raising Quail visit:
How to Raise Quail.com
Copyright © Gary Ortlieb
-----------------------------------------------------------------
When raising quail, it is very likely that you will be incubating eggs. You place your eggs in the incubator with very high expectations and then begin to count down the days until hatch.
By candling your eggs after about 5 days you should start to see some embryo development. If it is developing properly, you should start to notice a pinkish cast. If you don't notice any change inside the egg, especially by day 10 and the inside of the egg remains clear. It is time to pitch the clear eggs, they are not fertile.
When the egg starts to reach the end of incubation, the inside of the egg should look dark except for the little air pocket.
Candling eggs will have no effect on your incubation time and will not hurt your eggs. You just have to handle the eggs with care and dont candle them more than a couple times during incubation.
Also when candling, be precise and do this process in a way to be gentle yet quick as to not let the temperature of the egg cool to much.
When raising quail learning how to handle eggs gently is very important and learning the process of candling can save you disappointment.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find out more about Raising Quail visit:
How to Raise Quail.com
Copyright © Gary Ortlieb
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Labels: candling quail eggs, quail eggs, raising quail
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
A Fungal Disease that can Hurt Your Raising Quail Efforts.
Moniliasis (Crop Mycosis, Thrush)
This is a disease that primarily affects the upper digestive tract of all birds and is characterized by whitish thickened areas of the crop and proventriculus, erosions in the gizzard, and inflammation of the vent area. It is caused by a yeast-like fungus (Candida albicans).
Poultry of all ages are susceptible to the effects of this organism. Chickens, turkeys, pigeons, pheasants, quail and grouse are species most commonly affected as well as other domestic animals and humans. The Candida organism is widely spread throughout the poultry producing areas of the world.
Moniliasis is transmitted by ingestion of the causative organism in infected feed, water or environment. Unsanitary and unclean water troughs are an excellent reservoir of the Candida organism. The disease does not however, spread directly from bird to bird. The organism grows especially well on corn, so infection can be introduced by feeding moldy feed.
This malady produces no specific symptoms. Young birds become listless, pale, show ruffled feathers and appear unthrifty. Affected caged layer hens become obese and anemic. Some birds exhibit a vent inflammation that resembles a diarrhea induced condition having whitish incrustations of the feathers and skin around the area. Feed consumption may increase by ten to twenty percent.
Gross lesions are mostly confined to the crop, proventriculus and gizzard. The crop and proventriculus have whitish thickened areas that are often described as having a "turkish towel" appearance. Erosion of the lining of the proventriculus and gizzard is commonly observed, as well as an inflammation of the intestines. Diagnosis is based on history and typical lesions in the flock. Confirmation of the condition is by isolation and laboratory identification of the C. albicans organism.
Treatment of the flock with an antimycotic drug will control the infection. Many broad spectrum antibiotics will enhance this disease; therefore they should not be used until after control of this condition is completed. Addition of Nystatin (100 g/Ton) or copper sulfate (2-3 lb/Ton) to the feed for seven to ten days should control moniliasis.
Once introduced into the flock, moniliasis is perpetuated by suboptimal management conditions. Preventative measures include the continual use of mold inhibitors in the feed, proper feed handling and storage, daily cleaning and sanitizing of the watering system and periodic stirring and/or replacement of wet litter areas to prevent caking. An inexpensive, yet effective, water treatment is the continuous addition of household chlorine bleach to the drinking water at the rate of five parts per million (ppm).
All the information above can be found at www.msucares.com. It is to be used for educational purposes only.
We at www.howtoraisequail.com take no responsibility for the use or outcome of this information.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find out more about Raising Quail visit:
How to Raise Quail.com
--------------------------------------------------------------
This is a disease that primarily affects the upper digestive tract of all birds and is characterized by whitish thickened areas of the crop and proventriculus, erosions in the gizzard, and inflammation of the vent area. It is caused by a yeast-like fungus (Candida albicans).
Poultry of all ages are susceptible to the effects of this organism. Chickens, turkeys, pigeons, pheasants, quail and grouse are species most commonly affected as well as other domestic animals and humans. The Candida organism is widely spread throughout the poultry producing areas of the world.
Moniliasis is transmitted by ingestion of the causative organism in infected feed, water or environment. Unsanitary and unclean water troughs are an excellent reservoir of the Candida organism. The disease does not however, spread directly from bird to bird. The organism grows especially well on corn, so infection can be introduced by feeding moldy feed.
This malady produces no specific symptoms. Young birds become listless, pale, show ruffled feathers and appear unthrifty. Affected caged layer hens become obese and anemic. Some birds exhibit a vent inflammation that resembles a diarrhea induced condition having whitish incrustations of the feathers and skin around the area. Feed consumption may increase by ten to twenty percent.
Gross lesions are mostly confined to the crop, proventriculus and gizzard. The crop and proventriculus have whitish thickened areas that are often described as having a "turkish towel" appearance. Erosion of the lining of the proventriculus and gizzard is commonly observed, as well as an inflammation of the intestines. Diagnosis is based on history and typical lesions in the flock. Confirmation of the condition is by isolation and laboratory identification of the C. albicans organism.
Treatment of the flock with an antimycotic drug will control the infection. Many broad spectrum antibiotics will enhance this disease; therefore they should not be used until after control of this condition is completed. Addition of Nystatin (100 g/Ton) or copper sulfate (2-3 lb/Ton) to the feed for seven to ten days should control moniliasis.
Once introduced into the flock, moniliasis is perpetuated by suboptimal management conditions. Preventative measures include the continual use of mold inhibitors in the feed, proper feed handling and storage, daily cleaning and sanitizing of the watering system and periodic stirring and/or replacement of wet litter areas to prevent caking. An inexpensive, yet effective, water treatment is the continuous addition of household chlorine bleach to the drinking water at the rate of five parts per million (ppm).
All the information above can be found at www.msucares.com. It is to be used for educational purposes only.
We at www.howtoraisequail.com take no responsibility for the use or outcome of this information.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find out more about Raising Quail visit:
How to Raise Quail.com
--------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Raising Quail and Fungal Disease.
Mycotoxicosis (Fungal Disease)
It is known that certain strains of fungi (molds) growing in feed or feed ingredients can produce toxins that, when eaten by man or animals, can cause a very lethal disease called mycotoxicosis. The toxins produced by these fungi are very toxic and rivals the botulism toxin for toxicity.
Mycotoxicosis is caused by ingestion of toxic substances produced by molds growing on feed, feed ingredients and possibly litter. Several types of fungi produce toxins that may cause problems in poultry, but of primary concern are substances produced by the Aspergillus flavus fungi and are thus called aflatoxins. Aspergillus flavus is a common mold that grows on many substances, and grows especially well on grain and nuts. Several other fungi also produce toxins that cause the disease.
The aflatoxins include four closely related metabolites of A. flavus known as B1, B2, G and G2. The B1 toxin is the most toxic and is of greatest concern to the poultry industry.
Mold toxins cause a wide variety of signs, many difficult to recognize. The aflatoxins under certain conditions cause death, reduced growth, reduced egg production, reduced hatchability, signs associated with "physiological stress" and impaired ability to develop immunity to infectious agents. Diagnosis is difficult because characteristic lesions usually are not present, and detection of the toxin is not conclusive.
Molds are widespread in nature. Standing grains and other feed substances are frequently infected with toxin-producing molds prior to harvest. The key is proper storage to control moisture and temperature to reduce growth of the molds while in storage. Although the mold is present, it cannot produce toxic products unless allowed to grow freely.
Aflatoxins in feeds can be detected by chemical tests. Once the toxin is produced there is no known method for removing it from the feed or canceling its harmful effects. Providing a diet containing high fat and high protein levels and augmenting the ration with vitamin supplements may be of value.
All the information above can be found at www.msucares.com. It is to be used for educational purposes only.
We at www.howtoraisequail.com take no responsibility for the use or outcome of this information.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find out more about Raising Quail visit:
How to Raise Quail.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------
It is known that certain strains of fungi (molds) growing in feed or feed ingredients can produce toxins that, when eaten by man or animals, can cause a very lethal disease called mycotoxicosis. The toxins produced by these fungi are very toxic and rivals the botulism toxin for toxicity.
Mycotoxicosis is caused by ingestion of toxic substances produced by molds growing on feed, feed ingredients and possibly litter. Several types of fungi produce toxins that may cause problems in poultry, but of primary concern are substances produced by the Aspergillus flavus fungi and are thus called aflatoxins. Aspergillus flavus is a common mold that grows on many substances, and grows especially well on grain and nuts. Several other fungi also produce toxins that cause the disease.
The aflatoxins include four closely related metabolites of A. flavus known as B1, B2, G and G2. The B1 toxin is the most toxic and is of greatest concern to the poultry industry.
Mold toxins cause a wide variety of signs, many difficult to recognize. The aflatoxins under certain conditions cause death, reduced growth, reduced egg production, reduced hatchability, signs associated with "physiological stress" and impaired ability to develop immunity to infectious agents. Diagnosis is difficult because characteristic lesions usually are not present, and detection of the toxin is not conclusive.
Molds are widespread in nature. Standing grains and other feed substances are frequently infected with toxin-producing molds prior to harvest. The key is proper storage to control moisture and temperature to reduce growth of the molds while in storage. Although the mold is present, it cannot produce toxic products unless allowed to grow freely.
Aflatoxins in feeds can be detected by chemical tests. Once the toxin is produced there is no known method for removing it from the feed or canceling its harmful effects. Providing a diet containing high fat and high protein levels and augmenting the ration with vitamin supplements may be of value.
All the information above can be found at www.msucares.com. It is to be used for educational purposes only.
We at www.howtoraisequail.com take no responsibility for the use or outcome of this information.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find out more about Raising Quail visit:
How to Raise Quail.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, June 8, 2009
Fungal Disease and Raising Quail
Aspergillosis (Brooder Pneumonia)
Aspergillosis has been observed in almost all birds and animals, including man. The disease is observed in one of two forms; acute outbreaks with high morbidity and high mortality in young birds, and a chronic condition affecting adult birds. It is more of a problem in turkeys than in chickens.
The condition is caused by Aspergillus fumigatus, a mold or fungus-type organism. Occasionally other types of molds are involved. These organisms are present in the environment of all poultry. They grow readily on many substances such as litter, feed, rotten wood and other similar materials.
The bird comes in contact with the organisms through contaminated feed, litter or premises. The disease is not contagious and does not spread from one bird to another. Most healthy birds can withstand repeated exposure to these organisms. Inhalation of large amounts of the infectious form of the mold or reduced resistance of the bird apparently results in infection. In adult turkeys, the disease more often affects the male.
In the acute form in young birds, main symptoms are gasping, sleepiness, loss of appetite and sometimes convulsions and death. Occasionally the organism invades the brain, causing paralysis or other forms of nervous symptoms. The more chronic form in older birds usually results in loss of appetite, gasping or coughing and a rapid loss of body weight. Mortality is usually low and only a few birds are affected at one time.
The disease produces hard nodular areas in the lungs and an infection of the air sacs. Sometimes the air sac lesions are similar to those produced by infectious sinusitis or CRD. In some birds, colonies of mold growth can be seen on the air sac membranes.
Diagnosis is usually made from history, symptoms and lesions. It may be necessary to base diagnosis on microscopic lesions. The disease can usually be prevented by avoiding moldy litter, feed or premises. There is no treatment for the affected flock. Cleaning and disinfecting the equipment is often helpful.
All the information above can be found at www.msucares.com. It is to be used for educational purposes only.
We at www.howtoraisequail.com take no responsibility for the use or outcome of this information.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find out more about Raising Quail visit:
How to Raise Quail.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Aspergillosis has been observed in almost all birds and animals, including man. The disease is observed in one of two forms; acute outbreaks with high morbidity and high mortality in young birds, and a chronic condition affecting adult birds. It is more of a problem in turkeys than in chickens.
The condition is caused by Aspergillus fumigatus, a mold or fungus-type organism. Occasionally other types of molds are involved. These organisms are present in the environment of all poultry. They grow readily on many substances such as litter, feed, rotten wood and other similar materials.
The bird comes in contact with the organisms through contaminated feed, litter or premises. The disease is not contagious and does not spread from one bird to another. Most healthy birds can withstand repeated exposure to these organisms. Inhalation of large amounts of the infectious form of the mold or reduced resistance of the bird apparently results in infection. In adult turkeys, the disease more often affects the male.
In the acute form in young birds, main symptoms are gasping, sleepiness, loss of appetite and sometimes convulsions and death. Occasionally the organism invades the brain, causing paralysis or other forms of nervous symptoms. The more chronic form in older birds usually results in loss of appetite, gasping or coughing and a rapid loss of body weight. Mortality is usually low and only a few birds are affected at one time.
The disease produces hard nodular areas in the lungs and an infection of the air sacs. Sometimes the air sac lesions are similar to those produced by infectious sinusitis or CRD. In some birds, colonies of mold growth can be seen on the air sac membranes.
Diagnosis is usually made from history, symptoms and lesions. It may be necessary to base diagnosis on microscopic lesions. The disease can usually be prevented by avoiding moldy litter, feed or premises. There is no treatment for the affected flock. Cleaning and disinfecting the equipment is often helpful.
All the information above can be found at www.msucares.com. It is to be used for educational purposes only.
We at www.howtoraisequail.com take no responsibility for the use or outcome of this information.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find out more about Raising Quail visit:
How to Raise Quail.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------
