Amoxicillin For Young Bird Sickness? The 87 Top Answers

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Bacterial diseases are common in pet birds and should be included in the differential list of all sick birds. Inadequate housing and diet often contribute to this. Newborns and young birds are particularly vulnerable. GI and respiratory infections are most common and can lead to systemic disease.

The normal bacterial flora of companion birds includes Lactobacillus, Corynebacterium, non-hemolytic Streptococcus, Micrococcus spp and Staphylococcus epidermidis.

The most commonly reported pathogens are gram-negative bacteria (Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, Aeromonas, Enterobacter, Proteus and Citrobacter spp., Escherichia coli and Serratia marcescens). Pasteurella spp. has been reported as a possible septicemia agent in birds attacked by domestic cats or rats. Mycobacterium and Chlamydia are common intracellular bacterial pathogens. Infections with Salmonella spp. are occasionally observed.

The most common gram-positive bacterial pathogens are Staphylococcus aureus, S. intermedius, Clostridium, Enterococcus, Streptococcus and other Staphylococcus spp. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) is rare but has been documented. Mycoplasma spp. has been linked to chronic sinusitis commonly found in cockatiels. This organism is difficult to culture and the actual abundance is unknown. It is believed that staphylococci and streptococci (especially hemolytic strains) and Bacillus spp. are responsible for several dermatological diseases in parrots. Staphylococci are often isolated from lesions of pododermatitis (bumblebee) in many bird species.

Clostridial organisms are common secondary invaders of damaged cloacal tissue in birds with cloacal prolapse or papillomatosis. They also occur in birds with proventricular dilatation disease. Avian Bornavirus / Proventricular Dilatation Disease Avian polyomavirus (APV) causes disease in young parrots. There are two forms of the disease, depending on the species affected: budgerigar chick disease and non-budgie polyoma infection. Both are due to reduced GI motility. Several specific syndromes in birds can originate from different Clostridial species. Gram stain or anaerobic culture is required to identify these organisms.

Diagnosis is based on clinical signs and results of cytological examination and culture of tissue or swab specimens. A Gram stain is used to identify normal flora, yeast, and spore-forming bacteria. Culture is required to identify specific organisms and their susceptibility to antimicrobial agents. Samples can be collected from the respiratory, gastrointestinal, urinary, and reproductive tracts. Specimen sites for culture and cytology include the choanal slit, sinuses, cloaca, wounds, conjunctiva, internal organs (via ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspirate, endoscopic examination, or surgery), and blood.

Treatment is based on the site of infection and the results of culture and sensitivity tests. See table: Antimicrobials for Pet Birds Antimicrobials for Pet Birds for a partial list of commonly recommended antimicrobials.

table

Chlamydiosis Chlamydia psittaci is an obligate intracellular bacterium that can infect all companion birds but is particularly common in cockatiels, budgerigars and small parrots. The incubation period of C. psittaci is 3 days to several weeks. The organism is shed in the feces and nasal and ocular discharge of infected birds. Although the organism is labile in the environment, it can remain infectious in organic waste for > 1 month. Clinical signs range from asymptomatic carriers to anorexia, dyspnea, or greenish diarrhea. Diagnosis can be difficult. A PCR test of a combined conjunctival, choanal, and cloacal swab along with serological testing is recommended. Doxycycline is the treatment of choice and is given orally or by injection over 45 days. Psittacosis is a zoonotic and notifiable disease. Chlamydia psittaci is an obligate intracellular bacterium that can infect all companion birds but is particularly common in cockatiels, budgerigars and parrots. Current state and federal regulations for testing, reporting, treating, and quarantining for chlamydia should be followed. Clinical Findings of Chlamydiosis in Pet Birds Clinical signs range from asymptomatic carriers to severe disease and may include ocular, nasal or conjunctival irritation and discharge; Anorexia; dyspnea; Depression; dehydration; polyuria; biliverdinuria; and diarrhea. Clinically ill birds may exhibit leukocytosis, monocytosis, and elevated levels of AST and bile acids. X-rays may show hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, or airsacculitis. Diagnosis of Chlamydiosis in Pet Birds Diagnosis of C. psittaci can be difficult, particularly in the absence of clinical signs. Few laboratories will cultivate the organism. Various antibody and antigen tests are available, but have limitations. Available serological tests include indirect fluorescent antibodies, complement fixation, ELISA, and fluorescent antibodies. A positive serological test result is evidence that a bird has been exposed, but may not indicate active infection. Exposed but clinically healthy birds can produce substantial antibody titers. Acutely ill birds may not show an antibody response, which also leads to false negative results. These factors make an antibody test an inadequate screening tool for avian chlamydiosis when used alone. Because of the intracellular nature of chlamydia and the reduction in the number of organisms associated with the use of antimicrobials, false negative results from antigen tests are common. With the advent of PCR assay tests, the diagnosis of chlamydia has become easier to accomplish, and attempts to culture the organism or to identify elementary bodies in tissue samples are rarely made. Laboratories should be consulted prior to shipment to determine appropriate samples and shipping methods. Because of the difficulty in diagnosing chlamydia, a single test method may not be sufficient, and PCR testing of a combined conjunctival, choanal, and cloacal swab specimen in conjunction with a serological test is recommended. Treatment of Chlamydiosis in Pet Birds Doxycycline is commonly used to treat chlamydial infections. Since the duration of treatment required to eliminate the organism is uncertain, a treatment duration of 45 days is recommended. Dietary sources of calcium should be reduced when doxycycline is administered orally. Clinically ill birds should initially be treated with oral or injectable doxycycline to quickly achieve therapeutic drug levels. Formulations of doxycycline in feed or water and seeds or other feed impregnated with chlortetracycline are available or can be prepared to treat infected flocks. A doxycycline-treated budgerigar feed can be made by combining 300 mg of doxycycline hyclate (from capsules) with 1 kg of a mixture of oats, millet and sunflower oil (mix one part oatmeal with three parts husked millet; add 5–6 ml sunflower oil per kg oat-seed mixture). A fresh medicinal mix should be prepared daily and fed as sole food for 30 days. Doxycycline can also be added to the water for cockatiels (200-400 mg doxycycline hyclate/L water), Goffin cockatoos (400-600 mg/L) and gray parrots (800 mg/L). These indirect modes of antimicrobial administration depend on ingestion of sufficient amounts of antimicrobial agents to maintain effective blood levels. The only suitable injectable doxycycline formulation that can be used safely in birds is Vibramycin SF IV (Vibravenous), imported from the Netherlands. It can be administered either subcutaneously or intramuscularly at 75-100 mg/kg every 5-7 days for 45 days. Zoonotic potential of chlamydiosis in companion birds C. psittaci is transmissible to humans, therefore the zoonotic risk must be considered when designing the diagnostic and therapeutic plan. Current state and federal regulations for testing, reporting, treating, and quarantining birds infected with Chlamydia should be followed. A compendium of control measures is available from the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians.

dosage and application

chickens, turkeys and ducks

The product is administered via the drinking water. Prepare the solution with fresh tap water immediately before use. Once opened, consume the contents of a sachet immediately. Any unused medicated water that should be discarded after 12 hours

To ensure that the medicated water is consumed, animals should not have access to other water sources during treatment.

The following formula can be used to calculate the amount of product (in grams) needed per day:

Number of birds x average live weight (kg)

25 (for 20 mg/kg) or 33 (for 15 mg/kg)

To ensure a correct dosage, body weight should be determined as accurately as possible to avoid underdosing. The intake of medicated water depends on the clinical condition of the birds. In order to get the right dosage, the concentration of amoxicillin must be adjusted taking into account the water intake.

Chicken:

The recommended dosage is 15 mg amoxicillin trihydrate per kg body weight. The total duration of treatment should be 3 days, or 5 days in severe cases.

ducks:

The recommended dose is 20 mg amoxicillin trihydrate/kg body weight for 3 consecutive days.

Turkeys:

The recommended dosage is 15-20 mg amoxicillin trihydrate/kg body weight for 3 days or 5 days in severe cases.

pigs:

For the medication of pigs, Amoxinsol 50 can be administered via the drinking water or as an additive to liquid feed made from commercially available feed. It must not be used in dry food.

Administration via the drinking water

a. Administer 20 mg/kg body weight daily via the drinking water. The dose should be divided and given at approximately 12-hour intervals for up to 5 days. Dissolve the contents of one sachet (150 g of the product) in the required amount of water immediately before use.

b. If administered via drinking water, the solution should be made up with fresh drinking water.

I. Medicated water not drunk within 12 hours should be discarded.

ii. To ensure intake of the medicated water, animals should not have access to other water sources during treatment

Administration in liquid feed

a. Administer in liquid feed to give 20 mg amoxicillin trihydrate/kg body weight daily for up to 5 days. Medicated feed should be freshly prepared at least three times a day during the treatment period. The daily dose should be calculated based on the number of animals and average weight and then divided by the number of feed batches prepared that day.

b. Medicated liquid feed should be prepared with fresh drinking water.

c. Dissolve the required amount of Amoxinsol 50 in water in an amount of 25 g/L before adding to the feed. This can be done by dissolving the contents of one sachet (150g of product) in approximately 6L of water immediately before use.

i.e. After adding the product to some or all of the water needed to prepare the liquid formula, make sure the product is completely dissolved. The product may take up to 10 minutes to dissolve. This medicated water can then be mixed with the whole dry meal and any remaining water. The system used should ensure that the medicated water is evenly distributed throughout the feed. After preparation, the final medicated liquid feed should be fed to the pigs immediately.

e. The medicated liquid feed must not be fermented and must not be stored.

f. The stability of amoxicillin in all commercial feeds has not been established. To ensure that loss of amoxicillin activity is minimized, the amount of medicated liquid feed prepared should not exceed the amount of feed consumed in any 4 hour period.

I. Medicated liquid feed that is not consumed within 4 hours should be discarded

Written by: Dr. Jacquie Jacob, University of Kentucky

NOTE: Drugs must not be used in organic poultry production. However, organic producers cannot withhold medical treatment from a sick animal in order to maintain organic status. All appropriate medicines must be used to restore an animal to health when methods acceptable for organic production fail. Animals treated with a prohibited substance must be clearly identified and may not be sold, labeled or presented as organic.

antibiotics

An antibiotic is a drug that kills or slows the growth of bacteria. (Drugs that kill bacteria are called bactericidal; those that slow the growth of bacteria are called bacteriostatic.) Antibiotics are chemicals produced by microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi.

Concerns about the development of antibiotic resistance in human medicine have led to the development of new regulations controlling the use of antibiotics in animal feed. Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) medicines are medically important antibiotics whose use is regulated. New guidelines for these drugs come into effect on January 1, 2017. Some of these drugs have been used in poultry medicine.

How will these changes affect small poultry farmers? As of late 2016, a veterinary prescription is required to obtain medicated feed and purchase over-the-counter medicines. Over-the-counter medications that were previously available online or in feed stores will no longer be available without VFD. The VFD must be issued by a licensed veterinarian and there must be a veterinarian-client relationship. Small poultry farmers need to develop a relationship with a veterinarian so that if their birds get sick they can get the medication they need.

Webinar: Poultry Medication – Rule changes affecting small and backyard poultry flocks

There are many different types of antibiotics, and they destroy bacteria in different ways. The antibiotics within a class generally have similar potencies and mechanisms of action and resistance, and they tend to target the same types of bacteria. Some antibiotics, called broad spectrum antibiotics, treat a wide range of infections. Others, so-called narrow-spectrum antibiotics, are only effective against a few types of bacteria. Although antibiotics are sometimes used in conventional animal feed, some of the antibiotics discussed below can only be used under the supervision of a veterinarian.

The main classes of antibiotics include:

aminoglycosides (e.g. gentamycin, neomycin, spectinomycin and streptomycin) bambermycins (e.g. bambermycin, flavophospholipol) beta-lactams penicillins (e.g. penicillin and amoxicillin) cephalosporins (e.g. cefotaxime) glycopeptides (e.g Vancomycin – not approved for use in animals) Ionophores (e.g. monensin) Lincosamides (e.g. lincomycin) Macrolides (e.g. erythromycin, tylosin) Polypeptides (e.g. bacitracin) Quinolones (e.g fluoroquinolones) streptogramins (e.g. virginiamycin) sulfonamides (e.g. sulfonamides) tetracyclines (e.g. chlortetracycline). and oxytetracycline)

aminoglycosides

Aminoglycosides come from different species of Streptomyces bacteria. These antibiotics work by blocking the synthesis of proteins that are vital for bacterial growth. The aminoglycosides remain in the digestive tract and are therefore effective in treating intestinal infections. Examples include gentamicin, neomycin, spectinomycin and streptomycin.

Brand names:

Biosol (Neomycin) OTOMAX (Gentamycin) Agri-Mycin 17 (Streptomycin; the Organic Materials Review Institute [OMRI] lists this drug as “Restrictedly Allowed” for crop production.)

bambermycins

Bambermycins are derived from Streptomyces bambergiensis. These antibiotics work by inhibiting the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall. Examples are bambermycin and flavophospholipol, which are active against gram-positive pathogenic bacteria and do not affect lactobacillus, bifidobacterium and other protective bacteria.

Brand names:

Flavomycin 4 GAINPRO

beta-lactams

Penicillins and cephalosporins are the two main types of beta-lactams.

penicillins

Penicillins, the first antibiotics discovered, are produced by the mold Penicillium notatum. Penicillins are bactericidal and kill bacteria by inhibiting bacterial cell wall formation. The wall collapses, releasing the contents of the cell. Amoxicillin and ampicillin are examples of penicillins. Penicillins are effective in treating sinusitis and chronic respiratory disease in poultry.

Brand names:

Vetrimoxine (Amoxicillin)

cephalosporins

Structurally, cephalosporins are closely related to penicillins. This class of antibiotics is further divided into first, second and third generation. Each generation has a wider range of activities than the previous one. Like penicillin, cephalosporins interfere with the formation of bacterial cell walls. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an order on January 4, 2012 banning certain extra-label uses of the cephalosporin class of antimicrobial drugs in cattle, swine, chicken and turkey. The regulation came into force on April 5, 2012. (The term extra label refers to using a drug in a way that is not listed as an approved use on the label.)

In its order, the FDA prohibited off-label or unauthorized uses of cephalosporins, specifically including”

use of cephalosporin drugs in non-approved doses, frequencies, or durations, or via non-approved methods of administration; administering cephalosporin drugs to species for which the drugs are not approved—for example, administering cephalosporin drugs intended for humans or companion animals to cattle, pigs, chickens or turkeys; and the use of cephalosporin drugs for disease prevention.

glycopeptides

Glycopeptides work by interfering with cell wall formation and protein production. The only glycopeptide antibiotic available in the United States is the human product vancomycin (vancocin). Vancomycin is often the last-line treatment for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in humans. The FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine (FDA-CVM) issued an executive order in 1997 banning the use of all glycopeptides outside of labeling in livestock.

ionophores

Ionophores are feed additives used to control coccidiosis, mainly in the rearing of broilers, broiler breeders and pullets. Coccidiosis is a worldwide poultry disease and is caused by a protozoan parasite (Eimeria) invading the cells of the poultry gut. Ionophores are primarily used as an antimicrobial agent but can control some bacteria and are therefore often grouped with antibiotics. Ionophores are not used in human medicine.

lincosamides

Lincosamides differ structurally from macrolides, but have the same antimicrobial activity. Lincosamides are produced by Streptomyces lincolnensis. Lincomycin is a lincosamide that penetrates most tissues well, including bone. Lincomycin is effective against bone and joint infections and necrotic enteritis caused by Clostridium perfringens.

Brand names:

Lincomix

macrolides

Macrolides derived from Streptomyces bacteria are bacteriostatic and work by interfering with protein production. An example is a tylosin produced by Streptomyces fradiae. Tilmicosin is a semi-synthetic macrolide. Macrolides are active against Mycoplasma and Orhnithobacterium rhinotracheale and can be used to treat necrotic enteritis.

Brand names:

Tylan (tylosin)

polypeptides

Polypeptides have bactericidal activity against bacilli. Examples of polypeptides include bacitracin, which is active against Clostridium bacteria, and polymyxin E, which is active against E. coli, Salmonella, Pasteurella and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Brand names:

BMD Pennitracin MD Albac Baciferm

quinolones

Fluoroquinolones are synthetic antibiotics that are not derived from bacteria or fungi. They are broad spectrum bactericidal drugs. Fluoroquinolones prevent bacteria from making DNA, thus preventing the bacteria from multiplying. Examples include enrofloxacin, danofloxacin, flumequine, norfloxacin and difloxacin. Fluoroquinolones are effective against salmonellosis, colibacillosis, fowl cholera, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections.

Brand names:

Baytril (Enrofloxacin; This drug is not approved for use in animals in the United States.)

streptogramins

Streptogramins are produced by Streptomyces species and consist of two structurally unrelated molecules. One inhibits protein synthesis and the other cell wall formation. The molecules are individually bacteriostatic, but the combination of the molecules is bactericidal. The active ingredient virginiamycin is a streptogramin that acts against necrotic enteritis.

Brand names:

Stafac LACTROL (Virginiamycin and Dextrose)

Sulfonamides (sulfonamides)

Sulfonamides are made by chemical synthesis. They have a bacteriostatic effect against a wide range of pathogens. They disrupt RNA and DNA that are necessary for cell growth and replication. Sulfonamides such as trimethoprim are effective against Staphylococcus species, Streptococcus species, Pasteurella, Salmonella and E. coli.

Brand names:

Sulmet Sulfa-Max Sulfasure (Sulfamethazine) Albon Durvet Sulfadimethoxine Di-Methox (Sulfadimethoxine)

tetracyclines

Tetracyclines are obtained from the bacterium Streptomyces. They are broad spectrum bacteriostatics. Tetracyclines prevent bacteria from multiplying while the host animal’s immune system processes the original infection. Examples include chlortetracycline (Aureomycin) and oxytetracycline (Terramycin). Doxycycline is a semi-synthetic tetracycline. Tetracyclines are effective against Mycoplasma, Chlamydia, Pasteurella, Clostridium, Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale and some protozoa.

Brand names:

Aureomycin pennchlor 64

NOTE: The brand names mentioned in this article are only examples. No endorsement or criticism is intended of similar products not mentioned.

COCCIDIOSTATS

Coccidiosis is a common parasitic disease in poultry. It is the result of an infestation of coccidia in the gut. A number of different drugs, called coccidiostats, are available for use in conventional diets to control coccidiosis in poultry.

Coccidiostats that can be used in conventional poultry production include:

Amprolium (e.g. Amprol, Corid) Bambermycin (e.g. Flavomycin, GAINPRO) Decoquinate (e.g. Deccox) Diclazuril (e.g. Clinacox) Halofuginone hydrobromide (e.g. Stenorol) Lasalocid (e.g. Avatec) Monensin (e.g. Coban) Narasin (e.g. , Monteban) Nicarbazine (e.g. Nicarb 25%) Salinomycin (e.g. Bio-Cox, Sacox) Semduramicin (e.g. Aviax) Sulfadimethoxine and Ormetoprim 5:3 (e.g. Rofenaid)

For more information on coccidiostats see the article Use of Anticoccidial Medications and Vaccines in Poultry Production.

MEDICATIONS TO COMBAT INTESTINAL WORMS

There are several types of parasitic worms that can infect poultry including roundworms, tapeworms, appendectomy and capillary worms. There are few products that can be added to conventional poultry feed to combat internal parasites. No products are approved for laying hens.

Acceptable worm control products include:

Fenbendazole – for turkeys only (e.g. Safe-Guard) Hygromycin B – for chickens only (e.g. Hygromix-8)

For more information on intestinal worms, see the article Internal Parasites of Poultry.

PRODUCTS TO COMBAT EXTERNAL PARASITES

There are different types of external parasites that can affect a poultry flock. Typical pesticides used to control external parasites include:

Permethrin-based drugs (e.g. Prozap Garden and Poultry Dust) Tetrachlorvinphos-based drugs (e.g. Rabon) Carbaryl-based drugs (e.g. Sevin) Voluntarily withdrawn from use in poultry

For more information, see the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Insect Control on Poultry fact sheet.

DARK BEETLE FIGHTING PRODUCTS

Dark beetles are a common problem on poultry farms. The adults are black with hardened forewings and antennae beginning under a crest near the eyes. The larvae (referred to as mealworms) are worm-like and easily hardened to burrow. Both the larvae and beetles eat decaying leaves, sticks, grass, dead insects, feces and grains.

Branded products that can be used to control dark beetles include the following:

Creed pace

For more information about black beetles, see the Black Beetle article.

FLY FIGHTING PRODUCTS

Compounds that can be added to conventional feed to aid in fly control in poultry houses include the following:

Cyromazines (eg, Flyzine, Larvadex, and Solitude IGR)

NOTE: The brand names mentioned in this article are only examples. No endorsement or criticism is intended of similar products not mentioned.

Current update on medicines for wild bird species (FARAD)

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Skin infections in pet birds

With good nutrition and a healthy environment, birds tend to make hearty pets. But like all living things, they can be at risk of developing bacterial or fungal infections. In most cases, a bird’s immune system is strong enough to keep such infections at bay. But when a bird has a weakened immune system, its owner needs to watch closely for signs of infection.

If an infection is left untreated, the bird can start pecking at the infected site until it ulcerates, and as the infection progresses, the greater the risk that it could prove fatal.

Bacterial infections in birds

A bird usually develops a bacterial infection when its hygiene is poor or when it is subjected to high levels of emotional or environmental stress. The two most common types of bacterial infections in birds are staph and streptococci, but they are not the only ones a bird can develop. Others are:

Aeromonas

Citrobacter

clostridia

E. coli

Enterobacter

Klebsiella

mycobacteria

Pasteurella

proteus

Pseudomonas

salmonella

Serratia marcescens

If you think your bird has a bacterial infection, watch for loss of appetite, weight loss, and listlessness.

There are also site-specific symptoms depending on where in the body the infection is located. For example, if the infection is in the lungs, the bird may have trouble breathing, nasal discharge, or an eye infection. If the bird’s stomach has an infection, it can cause diarrhea, while an infection in the nervous system can cause tremors or seizures.

Treatment for bacterial infections in birds includes antibiotics such as azithromycin, amoxicillin and clavulanate, cephalexin and doxycycline to name a few of the options available.

fungal infections in birds

Birds are most commonly affected by one of five types of fungal infections – aspergillosis, candidiasis, cryptococcosis, rhodotoruliasis or mucormycosis. Causes of these infections can be:

Weak immune system

overcrowding

Poor diet

Bad hygiene

Poor ventilation

respiratory toxins

Environments that are either too humid or too dry

Age

Simultaneous infections

The most common symptoms associated with fungal infections in birds are lethargy, depression, diarrhea, weight loss, voice change or loss, difficulty breathing, and anorexia. In rhodotoruliasis, the bird will develop a yellowish scab over the skin in the axillary area of ​​the wings or thighs, which if left untreated will develop into horn growths.

Treatment options for fungal infections in birds include fluconazole, itraconazole, clotrimazole, terbinafine, enilconazole, and amphotericin B.

If you think your pet has developed a bacterial or fungal infection, take them to your veterinarian as soon as possible. The longer these infections go untreated, the more damage they can do to your pet.

About the author

dr Evan Ware is a veterinarian based in Phoenix, Arizona. He received both his bachelor’s degree in microbiology and his doctorate in veterinary medicine from Ohio State University.

dr Ware is currently the Medical Director of University Animal Hospital (VCA) and owner of two other hospitals, including the Laveen Veterinary Center and the Phoenix Veterinary Center. His areas of expertise include orthopedic medicine and surgery, veterinary oncology and chemotherapy, and general and advanced soft tissue surgery.

“We’re seeing a lot fewer respiratory problems in pet birds today than we did 10 or 15 years ago, and that’s largely due to improved husbandry,” said Brian Speer, DVM, ABVP graduate, who has a practice in Oakley, California.

Some of the deadliest respiratory diseases of the past, such as smallpox, are rare today, said Dr. Spear.

However, bacterial and fungal pneumonia, aspergillosis, and severe respiratory distress are still common.

Speer speculated that this is in large part caused by an increase in “germ phobia” in our society. “Many pet owners scrub their bird’s cage daily with very strong disinfectants,” he said. “This can weaken a bird’s defense mechanisms and make it vulnerable to contracting an opportunistic infection.”

The occurrence and type of respiratory disease observed varies with geography and whether the birds are kept in aviaries or as pets. “Bird owners in the Midwest or South, where humidity is higher, will be more likely to be affected by respiratory illnesses than bird owners who live on the West Coast, where it is drier,” said Larry Nemetz, DVM, a birds-only veterinarian in Santa Ana, California

Large indoor flocks are at greater risk of bacterial and fungal infections than individually housed pet birds because ventilation in indoor aviaries is usually poor and disease can spread quickly because the number of susceptible birds is higher, said Dr. Nemetz .

On the other hand, pet birds are more susceptible to inhaling airborne toxins because these birds are more likely to be exposed to things like household cleaners, incense and air fresheners, kerosene heaters, second-hand cigarette smoke, and overheated cookware.

Birds housed in outdoor aviaries or flights usually have plenty of air circulation, so airborne toxins are far less of an issue for them.

Severe shortness of breath

Treating birds that have inhaled airborne toxins is difficult at best. “In most cases of respiratory toxins, the bird dies before it gets to my office,” said Sam Vaughan, DVM, ABVP, in Louisville, Kentucky. “It’s hard to save a bird that has inhaled toxins in the air. You have to diagnose them quickly and act really quickly.”

A new tool to treat birds with severe respiratory distress is the bronchodilator. In Nemetz’s experience, the use of terbutaline brought about a great improvement within 20 minutes in several cases.

“The bronchodilators relax the smooth muscle around the bronchi and help open those bronchi and allow more air into the deeper tissues for oxygen exchange,” he said.

In more severe cases and in birds that don’t respond to intramuscular administration, terbutaline can be aerosolized and administered to the intubated, anesthetized patient, Nemetz said.

“Anesthesia actually reduces anxiety in many patients and can actually increase the survival rate of these birds.”

Bacterial Infections

Common bacterial respiratory infections observed in pet birds today are Klebsiella, Proteus, Chlamydophila and Pasteurella.

“Bacterial infections can be very serious and serious,” said Gregory Burkett, DVM, ABVP, in Durham, NC

“Supportive care and appropriate antibiotics are treatments of choice for severe infections,” said Dr. Burket. “Antibiotics should be selected based on culture and sensitivity. Supportive measures include warmth, oxygen, rest, fluids, and tube feeding.”

An increasing number of veterinarians are now using nebulization to deliver antibiotics and other medications directly into a bird’s airway. “Medications, like saline, can be nebulized to get deeper into the airways,” Burkett said.

“Antibiotics are often used in conjunction with other drugs such as steroids and antifungals with great success.” Burkett said it’s important to use a nebulizer that produces three to five micron particles to improve penetration.

aspergillosis

The fungal infection aspergillosis has been a major problem for veterinarians for many years.

“It’s one of the most difficult bird diseases to diagnose and treat successfully,” Vaughan said. “Because fungal organisms grow very slowly, usually by the time a bird is showing clinical signs, in most cases the disease is at an advanced stage, so you’re working from a disadvantaged position.”

Aspergillosis infection can go undetected for months to years, and suddenly a bird exhibits dyspnea, tachypnea, and open-mouth breathing.

“In these cases, a fungal plug is usually found in the trachea at the bifurcation,” said Dr. Burket. “Once found antemortem, treatment is difficult; attempting to remove the plug endoscopically may result in the plug dislodging and entering the lungs, leading to the spread of the fungal organism.”

Early diagnosis is essential to successfully treating aspergillosis, said avian researcher Robert Dahlhausen, DVM, M.S., owner of Veterinary Molecular Diagnostics in Milford, Ohio.

Over the past year, he and his colleagues developed two PCR tests for aspergillosis: a general DNA probe that picks up all species in the Aspergillus genus, and a second test that’s specific to Aspergillus fumigatus — the species common to most Aspergillus -Infection is responsible for companion birds today.

So far, “these new tests appear to be a big improvement over the tests available in the past, as they are much more reliable in confirming positive infections,” said Dr. Dahlhausen. “With the tests that have been available to us, you could infect birds and still get negative test results for them, and it was challenging to confirm the diagnosis.”

Researchers have also developed some new combination therapy protocols that have proven very successful in treating Aspergillus infections, Dahlhausen said. Traditionally, itraconazole was the drug of choice, but many veterinarians now use a combination of antifungal drugs.

In addition to itraconazole, the drug arsenal can also contain amphoteracin, terbinifine (Lamisil), diflucan and glucanazole, according to Dahlhausen.

Often these drugs are administered by nebulization. Treatment can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months. “Exactly what medication we use depends on the bird,” said Dahlhausen. “In particular, Gray Parrots tend to be very sensitive to itraconazole and can suffer from liver toxicity if overdosed.”

Lately, he said he has relied more on Lamisil for treatment. “For some very deep-seated Aspergillus infections, Lamisil is often effective when other standard therapies are not,” Dahlhausen said.

“Lamisil is very well absorbed when given orally and penetrates these granulomas very well. Also, it’s an antifungal drug, so it actually kills the fungal organism, while some of these other drugs might not.”

In his practice, Dahlhausen initially uses itraconazole for five to six days with Lamisil, and then continues with Lamisil alone for the remainder of the treatment period.

“Lamisil is a very safe drug, so it’s great for long-term therapy,” said Dahlhausen.

While aspergillosis is a very serious disease, “the success rate in treating aspergillosis is improving greatly,” Dahlhausen said.

“In the past, aspergillosis was a death sentence and most birds didn’t survive. But looking back over the last few years in our practice we have been able to successfully treat aspergillosis in most of the birds we have seen.

“The key lies in early diagnosis and effective long-term treatment in combination therapy.”

Rebecca Sweat is a regular contributor to Veterinary Practice News.

6-3-2004

ECHINACEA NATURAL ANTIBIOTICS FOR BIRDS

Echinacea Happy Bird is known for its immune-stimulating and anti-viral properties, it is useful for boosting the immune system and treating the symptoms of bird flu.

It is a true natural antibiotic that is widely used to treat respiratory diseases. In particular, its action is caused by the proliferation of leukocytes and monocytes-macrophages capable of engulfing harmful external agents. Echinacein exerts a cortico-like anti-inflammatory function.

Dosage and use: mix 2 g of ECHINACEA gently in 1 kg of feed and give for 5/7 days.

Dissolve 1.5 g of ECHINACEA in water in 1 liter of water and administer it for 5/7 days, being careful to change the water every day.

Packaging: jar 100 gr

Bacterial Bird Diseases

Birds are susceptible to various types of bacterial diseases – usually caused by poor hygiene or stress – but some birds have genetic immunity and instead become carriers of these diseases, which can infect other birds.

However, there are times when carrier birds can become ill when confronted with triggers of infection such as old age (very young or old birds), ill health from other infections or diseases, environmental or emotional stress, or anything else that may temporarily decrease a bird’s immunity lowers to bacteria.

symptoms and types

Symptoms for a bird depend on the type of bacteria, their location in the body, and the organs affected. Common symptoms of most bacterial diseases are lethargy, weight loss and loss of appetite.

More specifically, stomach infections show digestive symptoms such as loss of appetite and diarrhea. Liver infections show digestive and urinary problems. Lung infections can affect and lead to breathing difficulties, nasal discharge, and eye infections. Finally, infections of the nervous system cause tremors and seizures in birds.

causes

There are many bacteria that cause infections in birds. Among them: E. coli, Pseudomonas, Aeromonas, Serratia marcescens, Salmonella, Mycobacteria, Clostridia, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Proteus, Citrobacter, Pasteurella are all types of bacteria that affect birds.

Pasteurella bacteria are found in animals — like cats or rats — and they pass the infection on to the bird by biting it. Some common bacterial infections in birds are avian tuberculosis (mycobacteriosis), psittacosis (chlamydiosis or parrot fever), and clostridial disease.

treatment

The vet will test the infected bird and diagnose the bacteria causing the infection. Treatment then consists of antibiotics either through food, water or injection and relieving the stress of the infected bird. The area around the bird must also be thoroughly cleaned.

prevention

The following is a list of precautions that should help prevent bacterial diseases in your bird.

Skin infections in pet birds

With good nutrition and a healthy environment, birds tend to make hearty pets. But like all living things, they can be at risk of developing bacterial or fungal infections. In most cases, a bird’s immune system is strong enough to keep such infections at bay. But when a bird has a weakened immune system, its owner needs to watch closely for signs of infection.

If an infection is left untreated, the bird can start pecking at the infected site until it ulcerates, and as the infection progresses, the greater the risk that it could prove fatal.

Bacterial infections in birds

A bird usually develops a bacterial infection when its hygiene is poor or when it is subjected to high levels of emotional or environmental stress. The two most common types of bacterial infections in birds are staph and streptococci, but they are not the only ones a bird can develop. Others are:

Aeromonas

Citrobacter

clostridia

E. coli

Enterobacter

Klebsiella

mycobacteria

Pasteurella

proteus

Pseudomonas

salmonella

Serratia marcescens

If you think your bird has a bacterial infection, watch for loss of appetite, weight loss, and listlessness.

There are also site-specific symptoms depending on where in the body the infection is located. For example, if the infection is in the lungs, the bird may have trouble breathing, nasal discharge, or an eye infection. If the bird’s stomach has an infection, it can cause diarrhea, while an infection in the nervous system can cause tremors or seizures.

Treatment for bacterial infections in birds includes antibiotics such as azithromycin, amoxicillin and clavulanate, cephalexin and doxycycline to name a few of the options available.

fungal infections in birds

Birds are most commonly affected by one of five types of fungal infections – aspergillosis, candidiasis, cryptococcosis, rhodotoruliasis or mucormycosis. Causes of these infections can be:

Weak immune system

overcrowding

Poor diet

Bad hygiene

Poor ventilation

respiratory toxins

Environments that are either too humid or too dry

Age

Simultaneous infections

The most common symptoms associated with fungal infections in birds are lethargy, depression, diarrhea, weight loss, voice change or loss, difficulty breathing, and anorexia. In rhodotoruliasis, the bird will develop a yellowish scab over the skin in the axillary area of ​​the wings or thighs, which if left untreated will develop into horn growths.

Treatment options for fungal infections in birds include fluconazole, itraconazole, clotrimazole, terbinafine, enilconazole, and amphotericin B.

If you think your pet has developed a bacterial or fungal infection, take them to your veterinarian as soon as possible. The longer these infections go untreated, the more damage they can do to your pet.

About the author

dr Evan Ware is a veterinarian based in Phoenix, Arizona. He received both his bachelor’s degree in microbiology and his doctorate in veterinary medicine from Ohio State University.

dr Ware is currently the Medical Director of University Animal Hospital (VCA) and owner of two other hospitals, including the Laveen Veterinary Center and the Phoenix Veterinary Center. His areas of expertise include orthopedic medicine and surgery, veterinary oncology and chemotherapy, and general and advanced soft tissue surgery.

Compared to our other pets, birds live a very long time. At some point you will need to give your parrot medication and you should be prepared for that when that time comes.

I won’t lie – the first time isn’t easy. Your bird is sick and grumpy and has absolutely no desire to be cooperative. You are nervous and lack confidence in what you are trying to do. What if I do this wrong? Am I going to hurt my bird?

Let’s say your bird has been calmer than normal for a few days and has watery droppings. Your vet will determine that your bird has a bacterial infection, which is not uncommon but will definitely require a course of antibiotics if you want your bird to recover.

It doesn’t have to be traumatic for you or your bird. Below is everything you need to know to get the job done right. Be sure to click on the links provided for more detailed information on the highlighted topics.

The DO’s and DON’T’s:

At the vet:

Ask questions about the illness. What could have caused the infection? What should I do differently so it doesn’t happen again?

ask questions about the disease. What could have caused the infection? What should I do differently so it doesn’t happen again? Ask the veterinarian or their technician for help administering the first dose. Or you can use your phone to take a video of him explaining the details. Click here to learn how to physically treat a bird.

Ask the vet or their technician to help you administer the first dose. Or you can use your phone to take a video of him explaining the details. Click here to learn how to physically treat a bird. Ask about flavored medicines. A good tasting medicine will make some birds much more cooperative.

Ask about flavored medicines. A good tasting medicine will make some birds much more cooperative. Ask for extra syringes. Even small birds can crush the tips and you definitely need a working syringe.

Ask for extra syringes. Even small birds can crush the tips and you definitely need a working syringe. DO NOT leave the office without knowing how to get this job done. This is not the time to worry about harassing clinic staff. That is their job.

At home:

Learn what the markings on the syringe mean. Click here to learn how to read a syringe. If you have trouble with this, ask your veterinarian to use a permanent marker to mark the correct dosing line.

Learn what the markings on the syringe mean. Click here to learn how to read a syringe. If you have trouble with this, ask your veterinarian to use a permanent marker to mark the correct dosing line. Make sure your bird gets every dose every day. Even if your bird seems to be getting better, it is IMPERATIVE that you continue to take the medication until it is gone.

Make sure your bird gets every dose every day. Even if your bird seems to be getting better, it is IMPERATIVE that you continue to take the medication until it is gone. DO NOT double the dose to avoid having to take medication twice a day. Depending on the medication, double dosing may be unsafe for your bird or the excess medication may be passed on unused. Each dosage is carefully calculated to be the right amount at the right time.

Double a dose to avoid having to take medication twice a day. Depending on the medication, double dosing may be unsafe for your bird or the excess medication may be passed on unused. Each dosage is carefully calculated to be the right amount at the right time. Wash the syringe after each use and use only on that bird. If you have two sick birds, each should have their own medicine and syringe.

Wash the syringe after each use and use only on that bird. If you have two sick birds, each should have their own medicine and syringe. DO NOT put medication in your bird’s drinking water. If you put a dose in your bird’s water bowl, he would have to drink the entire bowl of water to get the entire dose. That will never happen.

Put medication in your bird’s drinking water. If you put a dose in your bird’s water bowl, he would have to drink the entire bowl of water to get the entire dose. That will never happen. DO NOT pour the dose over food. As with the water bowl, your bird would have to eat every morsel in the bowl (and then lick the bowl clean) to get the full dose. Also, this could be a reason for your bird to avoid these foods in the future. It is best treated with a syringe.

Pour the dose over food. As with the water bowl, your bird would have to eat every morsel in the bowl (and then lick the bowl clean) to get the full dose. Also, this could be a reason for your bird to avoid these foods in the future. It is best treated with a syringe. Call your vet if you can’t treat your bird or if the cans aren’t being swallowed. Your bird needs this medication and if you can’t give it to him, your vet needs to know – sooner or later. Your vet is there to help you get your bird healthy. Ask for help when you need it!

Helpful tips:

Respiratory diseases are among the most common problems encountered in all types of ornamental birds. Because they can have a variety of causes, early diagnosis by your veterinarian and proper treatment is necessary to prevent serious illness.

What Are Some of the Causes of Respiratory Disease in Pet Birds?

Breathing problems can have many causes. Feeding a seed-only diet is a common problem for many birds with respiratory problems. Seeds contain very little vitamin A, which is needed for the normal development of the epithelium (skin cells) that lines the airways. Vitamin A deficiency results in abnormal epithelium that is easily invaded by microorganisms such as bacteria. However, parasites, tumors, fungi (e.g. Aspergillus), viruses, mycoplasma (a unique type of bacteria) and especially the Chlamydophila bacteria (which cause parrot fever or chlamydiosis in birds) can also cause respiratory infections in birds.

Sometimes, organ enlargement due to tumors or infection causes respiratory problems (difficulty breathing) due to the pressure the enlarged organ puts on the bird’s airway.

In rare cases, inflammation from environmental irritants can also cause signs of respiratory illness, such as sneezing.

Exposure to environmental toxins such as cigarette smoke and aerosol sprays can cause respiratory symptoms in birds.

“Non-stick cookware and Teflon-coated appliances such as stoves and toasters should never be used around birds.”

Sudden death can result from contact with overheated Teflon cookware, as burnt Teflon pans give off an odorless, colorless vapor that can cause sudden death in birds if inhaled. Non-stick cookware and Teflon-coated appliances such as stoves and toasters should never be used near birds.

Are certain causes more common in certain species?

Yes, and this is one of the many reasons it is important to go to a vet who is knowledgeable about pet medicine. For example, budgerigars (budgerigars) and cockatiels are often infected with Mycoplasma or Chlamydophila and may or may not show signs of infection, but they can transmit these diseases to other birds.

Many older seed-eating Amazon parrots are vitamin A deficient and therefore susceptible to bacterial sinus infections, while finches and canaries are commonly infected with air sac mites.

Is it true that my bird can catch a cold from drafts?

No, that’s a myth. While it’s not healthy for a bird to receive a constant direct flow of air (too hot or too cold) like it would if placed directly below or above a vent, respiratory diseases don’t develop just because of drafts. Birds are very tolerant of temperature changes, but rapid changes from cold to hot or vice versa challenge a pet’s immune system and can make them less resistant to infection.

What are some of the signs of respiratory disease in birds?

Birds may show different clinical signs depending on where in their airways the infection is located. A bird’s airways are broadly divided into the upper airways (nasal passages, sinuses, and trachea) and the lower airways (lungs and air sacs—translucent membranes in the bird’s chest, abdomen, and some bones). Birds with tracheal infections may only show a change in voice. Birds with infections in their lungs or air sacs may have trouble breathing.

“A bird with increased respiratory effort will generally show a bobbing of its tail with each breath.”

Some birds with respiratory diseases have watery eyes; still others sneeze, wheeze, cough, and have nasal discharge. Mildly affected birds may not show clear signs of breathing, merely appearing disheveled, unable to sit, and keeping their eyes closed. A bird with increased respiratory effort will generally show a bobbing of its tail with each breath. A bird showing any of these signs should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

With all of the different causes of respiratory disease, how will my veterinarian accurately diagnose my bird’s problem?

The history that you provide to your vet (your bird’s signs, how long they have lasted, and your bird’s overall behavior) is very important, as is a thorough physical exam. In addition, many laboratory tests are available to your veterinarian. Unless a bird is having too much trouble breathing, your vet will usually want to take a blood sample to check your bird’s red and white blood cell counts and organ function.

“The history that you provide to your vet (your bird’s signs, their duration and your bird’s overall behavior) is very important, as is a thorough physical exam.”

For birds showing upper respiratory signs, such as sneezing or discharge from the eyes or nose, your veterinarian may want a sample from a sinus aspirate (which involves inserting a small needle into the sinus to obtain a sample) or a Nasal lavage (where fluid is flushed through the nostrils to obtain a sample of material in the nasal passages). Sometimes your vet will decide to culture the bird’s respiratory discharge or collected sinus or nasal wash samples to look for specific bacteria and fungi.

If your bird is showing signs of a lower respiratory tract infection, such as coughing or having trouble breathing, your vet may also want to take an X-ray (X-ray) of the bird’s lungs and air sacs. In addition to general blood tests, your vet may suggest doing tests specific to certain causes of respiratory infections, such as chlamydiosis or aspergillosis.

Can I treat my bird at home with medications available at the pet store?

Using over-the-counter medications purchased from a pet store or drugstore is not the best way to treat a sick bird. Just as you consult a doctor when you are ill, so should your bird. The only way to properly diagnose a sick bird’s problem is through a thorough physical exam and appropriate blood tests—something only an avian veterinarian can do. People who seek medical advice from a pet store and attempt to treat their birds with over-the-counter medications often waste valuable time delaying proper therapy for their pets and end up spending more money at the vet’s office to treat very ill birds to treat. Additionally, most medications sold in pet stores are antibiotics, which are ineffective against most causes of respiratory disease in birds.

“To avoid delaying proper diagnosis and treatment of your bird, make an appointment with your veterinarian at the first sign of respiratory problems.”

Remember that antibiotics only treat bacteria, and if the cause of the respiratory infection isn’t bacterial, then no antibiotic will be effective. To avoid delaying the proper diagnosis and treatment of your bird, make an appointment with your veterinarian at the first sign of respiratory problems.

How are respiratory diseases in birds treated?

Once the correct diagnosis has been made, your vet may suggest a course of antibiotics if the problem is a bacterial infection. Oral or nebulized (aerosolized) antifungals are used to treat fungal diseases such as aspergillosis, and oral or injectable antiparasitic drugs are used to treat parasitic infections such as air sac mites. Improper diet is slowly corrected, and vitamin A supplementation is used if vitamin A deficiency is suspected. Severely ill birds are hospitalized for the use of injectable and aerosolized medications and for the administration of force-feeding and IV fluids as needed. Early diagnosis and appropriate therapy are key to successfully treating birds with respiratory disease.

Treating diseases in poultry flocks by understanding the types of treatment

At some point, it is likely that every herd owner will encounter disease in their herd. Unfortunately, by the time the owner sees symptoms, an illness has often been around longer than you think and should be addressed quickly and taken seriously. The nature of chickens as birds is to mask any symptoms for as long as possible lest they be seen as vulnerable – and palatable – to predators.

Too often when a chicken is sick, people turn to the old standard packet of yellow powder for treatment – without understanding what it does and doesn’t do. The owners really aren’t to blame, as often even the feeder staff have been taught, “When a chicken is sick, just give it this yellow stuff – here.” It’s time to demystify and clarify the process of treating sick chickens.

What Causes Chicken Diseases?

When dealing with chickens, it is important to remember that there are many different causes of disease and not all are treated in the same way. For example, a “cold” in chickens could be caused by bacteria, viruses, the environment, malnutrition, or even a parasite in the digestive tract. Diarrhea can be caused by bacteria, protozoa, or by the respiratory disease sinus drainage mentioned above.

Determining which medications should be used:

Powdered antibiotics.

Powdered, oral antibiotics are used when the bird definitely has some type of bacterial infection, often respiratory in nature.

Note: Many respiratory diseases are caused by viral infections and are mistreated with antibiotics. Because without a microscope, bacterial incubator, and 2 weeks time it is very difficult to tell the difference between the two, you will need to use your observational skills to decide how to treat.

If anything other than a clear, watery discharge is present, bacteria are likely at least partially responsible for the disease. In this case, the use of antibiotics packaged for oral use (or injection) is often appropriate when used properly.

**ALWAYS** use an antibiotic exactly as directed on the packet at the highest dosage for poultry of the correct age.

**NEVER** use “a little here, a little there,” a pinch, an estimated dosage, or what your neighbor Joe used. Antibiotics should also not be used for less than the specified number of days, which is often 7-14 days in the case of oral medications. If you use them less often, they may not work when your herd next needs them.

Common antibiotics suitable for this application are the -mycin and -cyclin drugs such as aureomycin (chlortetracycline), terramycin (oxytetracycline), gallimycin (erythromycin), and duravet. Injectable medications include Tylan (Tylosin) and others.

Most oral antibiotics should be used as the only product in the water. So do not mix antibiotics and vitamins in the water as the chemicals can react with each other. However, there are some antibiotics that work best when mixed together, and in fact they work better together than alone. The combination of Sulmet and gallimycin is one such example.

Otherwise, never mix anything other than antibiotics into the water. In the case of -cyclin/-mycin drugs, you shouldn’t even feed dairy products while using them, as the other chemicals essentially render the antibiotic inactive.

sulfa drugs.

Drugs with “sulfa-” in their names (such as sulfaquinoxaline or sulfamethazine) are drugs that not only have an antibacterial effect, but can also help with other diseases such as protozoa or viral diseases with secondary diseases. These older generation drugs are great to have in your medicine cabinet when you are not sure exactly what is making your herd ill.

These drugs, often easily used in water, can also have a synergistic relationship with traditional oral antibiotics. For example, a combination of erythromycin (antibiotic) and sulmet is particularly effective for chronic respiratory disease because it helps relieve symptoms.

vitamins.

Every time a bird is sick, its immune system suffers. Unlike other animals, birds are particularly prone to reduced immunity due to their delicate systems and high metabolic rates. When the body is working hard to fight off an illness, the bird’s very busy metabolism requires more than a normal feeding routine can provide.

In the event of illness or injury, the oil-based vitamins (A, D, and E) help promote healing and strengthen the respiratory and digestive systems. Use sparingly as these can be overdosed; However, if you notice that the “Drench” and “Saver” products on the market always have a base of vitamins A, D and E, which is no coincidence. Learn from their decades of research and always add these products as an oral drench or treat top dressing with a few drops per bird whenever an illness strikes.

B vitamins (often packaged in drenches and other emergency products) are very useful in giving sick birds buoyancy and a desire to eat and live. If not included in a vitamin pack, these are safe to sprinkle over a treat.

Remember – sometimes diseases are caused by or result from a lack of nutrition. The use of vitamins during the treatment of diseases (even if they are not in the same water) can not only strengthen immunity, but also nourish a bird during its healing and possibly treat a disease caused by nutritional deficiencies.

Coccidiostats/coccicides.

These drugs work against protozoa such as the dreaded disease “coccidiosis”. A coccidio extra helps reduce the amount of harmful cocci in the bird. A coccidiosis is one that kills all protazoa of that type in a bird. Coccidiostats are found in medicated feed and in preventatives to keep a bird from becoming so overwhelmed by protozoa. Coccicides are the same drugs at a dosage potent enough to kill the majority of protozoa in an already sick bird. In birds with diarrhea, the use of a coccicide such as Albon, Corid, or Sulmet may be “indicated” or important.

Antibiotics and diseases of the digestive tract

Antibiotics used for respiratory illnesses are typically not effective against diarrhea and can harm the bird worse than the illness itself. Remember that antibiotics are inherently antibacterial and really don’t care if they’re the good guys together kill with the bad.

There are some antibiotics that may be indicated in a real case of E. coli or other bacterial diarrhea, but they are few and far between and more often given for the wrong reason – so be careful! A rare exception is neomycin, which is useful against E. coli or other digestive tract diseases contaminated by feces.

Probiotics, or live nutritionally beneficial bacteria, can be used in conjunction with medications to better treat diarrhea and other digestive tract disorders. Although not a drug, replacing good living bacteria in the gut allows the gut to normalize and heal faster. Examples include Probios, Fast-Track, or even a simple Acidophilus capsule intended for human consumption that’s crushed into a quick-eaten treat.

Packaged antibiotics in the context of wound management

As with problems with the digestive tract, antibiotics packaged for use in the respiratory tract should not be used on wounds or other external problems. Again, using a respiratory antibiotic on a wound can only further damage the bird by disabling its natural good bacteria in the digestive tract. A rare exception to this rule is penicillin, which is effective against both lower respiratory tract disease (caution, not upper respiratory tract disease) and wound infection. Baytril is another rare exception.

wormers

“Worms” is actually a nickname for products that kill internal parasites like roundworms. When purchasing a wormer to prevent or treat internal parasites, be careful not to use a product that also contains antibiotics unless you need that effect. For example, there is a triple dewormer that actually has a dewormer and two antibiotics in the ingredients. Unreasonable use of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance.

VetRx and herbal remedies

While not an actual medication, products like VetRx and other herbal remedies can help treat a sick bird when used as directed. In the case of VetRx, while it won’t cure the disease, it will help reduce inflammation in an irritated respiratory tract and make the bird feel better. “A bird that feels better heals better” is a saying that every poultry lover should heed. Sometimes these herbal products also have some sort of antiseptic property that can help other medications do their job better. Often these can be used in conjunction with other medications.

Determine dosage of medication

When in doubt, drugs.com/vet is a wonderful reference for how much drug to use for your herd. Keep in mind that some drugs are not labeled for poultry but are still used with great practical results. In such cases, it can be helpful to consult a veterinarian, poultry expert, or even seek advice from Hoegger to help your flock.

In case of doubt and there is no vet present…

When an emergency occurs and you have a bird that has what appears to be more than one disease – it is often more than one disease at a time.

Respiratory illnesses are often complicated by secondary diarrhea, as discharge from the sinuses upsets the delicate balance of gut bacteria. Fowlpox virus infections can often lead to secondary respiratory illnesses as the bird’s immune system is weakened and susceptibility to disease increases.

In some cases, two treatments (or more if you’re including immune boosters) may be needed at the same time. Read carefully to determine which products can or cannot be used together and try to find an expert as soon as possible to help guide the treatment the right way.

The number one way to a healthy herd is…

In the meantime, please remember that the best treatment for disease is disease prevention. Clean air, good ventilation, sunshine, clear water, adequate nutrition and a closed flock go a long way in ensuring that poultry disease treatment never needs to be demystified!

Nathalie (Ross) Norris is a writer, animal lover, and native Texan. Her love of keeping chickens began at a young age. Many years later, she finds her favorite thing about raising chickens is helping others enjoy it too.

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