Infectious Bronchitis is a highly contagious viral respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus (IBV). It primarily affects chickens and has significant economic impact due to reduced egg production and poor growth in broilers.
SYMPTOMS
CAUSES
PREVENTION
TREATMENT
Symptoms
- Chickens (Most affected):
- Respiratory signs (gasping, coughing, sneezing)
- Nasal discharge
- Watery eyes
- Decreased feed consumption
- Lethargy
- Laying Hens:
- Dramatic drop in egg production
- Misshapen eggs
- Thin-shelled eggs
- Poor internal egg quality
- Watery egg whites
- Note: Turkeys and waterfowl are generally not affected by IBV.
Causes and transmission
- Viral Characteristics:
- Coronavirus with multiple strains
- Highly mutable virus
- Short incubation period (18-36 hours)
- Transmission Methods:
- Airborne spread
- Direct bird-to-bird contact
- Contaminated equipment
- Personnel movement
- Indirect carriers (wild birds)
Prevention strategies
- Vaccination:
- Strategic vaccination programs
- Strain-specific protection
- Management:
- Good ventilation
- Proper poultry density
- Clean water supply
- Regular monitoring
Treatment options
- Direct Treatment:
- No specific treatment available
- Focus on supportive care
- Supportive Care:
- Temperature management
- Good ventilation
- Electrolyte supplementation
- Vitamin support
- Stress reduction
- Recovery Management:
- Reduced lighting
- Feed management
- Water quality control
- Secondary infection prevention
