Common Duck Diseases To Be Cautious Of When Getting Started In Rearing Ducks

By:


Ducks, just like any other poultry species, are also prone to diseases and infections. Since ducks live in close proximity with each other, the latter measure is somewhat harder to do which is why it is of prime importance that ducks be vaccinated to prevent these infections.When keeping ducks, precautionary measures should be taken to prevent them from contracting diseases, and if already infected, prevent them from spreading further.


One of the most common duck diseases is Duck Virus Hepatitis. It is a fatal disease that usually attacks ducklings that are about 1 to 28 days old. The reason why they are easily attacked by this disease is their vulnerability. Their immune system is not yet fully developed and as such make them susceptible to it. The disease spreads rapidly and can cause up to 90% mortality. The signs manifested by ducklings are series of spasmodic contractions on their legs with an enlarged liver that shows hemorrhagic spots. Ducklings can die in as fast as one hour in a characteristic 'arched-back' position.

Duck plague, on the other hand, is a disease caused by the herpes virus and is one of the most highly contagious duck diseases there is. Infected birds are sluggish, have ruffled feathers and greenish-yellow diarrhea that are sometimes stained with blood. The hallmark of the disease is the eruptive lesions that can be found on the mucus lining of the duck's esophagus.

One of the most troublesome duck diseases is fowl cholera. This disease is caused by a bacterium called Pasteurella multocida and is often associated with poor sanitation. The symptoms include diarrhea, mucous discharges and loss of appetite. The liver also enlarges and becomes friable. The disease can be prevented with good sanitation and medications such as Chlortetracycline.

The Pasteurella anatipestifer infection is one of the duck diseases that cause high mortality. The symptoms associated with this disease are eye discharges, diarrhea, lack of coordination, and twisted neck. Most birds are seen lying on their backs while they paddle their feet in the air. The disease usually attacks the air sacs and lining of the vital organs like the heart and the lungs.

Colibacillosis and Aspergillosis are duck diseases caused by a bacterium and fungi respectively. Colibacillosis is caused by Escherichia coli, a bacterium that is often associated with poor hygiene. Escherichia coli thrive in dirty places which is why it is found in vast numbers in the feces. It usually infects the yolk sac resulting to reduced hatchability of eggs. Some strains can even cause similar symptoms as that seen in Pasteurella anatipestifer infection. On the other hand, Aspergillosis is named thus because it is caused by a fungi called Aspergillus which grows on wet straw or feed. It is usually acquired through inhalation. Infected ducks usually have difficulty of breathing and dehydration.


About the Author:
If you think you still need help on duck diseases, consulting existing duck owners and farmers will certainly be a big help. If you would like to learn more about raising ducks correctly, please go to: www.howtoraiseducks.com



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


|

Loading...
Related....
Videos...

Recent Pets Articles

  • Wide Dog Gates By: roverpet | May 28th 2012 - Our mission is simply to be the definitive website store in providing your pets with the highest quality and most uniquely designed dog beds, animal enclosures, dog gates, cat cages, and pet hammocks available anywhere in the world. These products, not found anywhere else, ar ...
  • Tags: cats, dogs, birds, pets, animals...
  • Maine Coon Cat Is Really The Most Sensible Type By: Travis Olague | May 28th 2012 - Maine Coon is the most attractive cat- pet. They are very clever, lovely and smart. They have a very strong genetic tree. If you want to have one of them, read more information about it and become more expert.
  • Tags: maine coon, maine coon kittens
  • Finding A Gift For Your Pets By: Mark Sevlin | May 28th 2012 - Selecting a gift is not difficult,most pets are easy to please. However it is easy to give your furry friend a biscuit or a treat as a gift, it would be similar to giving your kid a piece of candy for a birthday present.
  • Tags: pet promotional items, custom pet tags
  • Bulldog Puppies | English Bulldogs | Bulldogs By: Castlewood Bulldogs | May 28th 2012 - The most adorable sight to see is the face of little stout bulldog puppies. They are cuddly, affectionate, playfully, and love chewable toys. The puppies and grown dogs are safe around children and adults.
  • Tags: Bulldog Puppies, English Bulldogs, Bulldogs.
  • English Bulldogs For Sale | Bulldog Puppies For Sale | Bulldog Breeders By: Castlewood Bulldogs | May 28th 2012 - Purchasing pets takes allot of time to choose the perfect age and breed. Buyers sometimes dont know what to look for in breeders of the pets. Bulldogs are a breed that is marketed by breeders around the world.
  • Tags: English Bulldogs for Sale, Bulldog Puppies for Sale,
  • Make Your Dog Friendly With Dog Training Collar By: Colin Seal | May 28th 2012 - The Dog training collar may be a big assist to the efforts with the pet owner to instruct the dog about socialization. Socialization is essential towards the behaviour and emotional formation of mans closest friend. It is really a fundamental element in the introduction o ...
  • Tags: dog training collar, dog training, training method, training strategy
  • Dog Crate: Facts And Tips By: Dobran | May 28th 2012 - Dogs are pack animals by natures, and still manage their essential need in living a den. A dog crate can be an alternative for your dog as a den of his own.
  • Tags: dog crates, pet crates
  • Looking After Your Dog By: Zoe R | May 28th 2012 - Pets to many humans become a part of their family. Not having a little furry friend running around your home and asking for food would make your household feel incomplete. Having a dog especially can be like having your own baby. Looking after it well and caring for it, you w ...
  • Tags: dog food, dog supplies
  • Take Care Of Your Feline Friend By: Zoe R | May 28th 2012 - Cats are beautiful creatures that are a popular pet among many households. They are known as sacred animals in Egypt and if you own one you will understand why. Cats are said to have slaves and dogs have masters, this is very much a true fact. However the love you gain from y ...
  • Tags: cat food, cat supplies
  • Snacks For Animals By: Zoe R | May 28th 2012 - We all love a snack. This is by no means restricted to us humans alone who love to have an in between nibble. Animals are not excluded from enjoying the snacking habit and how they love to chew and nibble. Whilst animals should not be allowed to get fat or unhealthily overwei ...
  • Tags: tack shop, animal tack shop

Comments

Still can't find what you are looking for? Search for it!

Loading

Copyright 2005-2011 ArticleSnatch, LLC - All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service.