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Poultry farming in Kenya is a popular and profitable venture, practiced by both small-scale and commercial farmers across rural and urban areas. However, poultry health management remains one of the biggest challenges facing the industry.

Disease outbreaks can lead to high mortality rates, reduced egg production, poor growth rates, and significant financial losses. Understanding the common poultry diseases in Kenya is essential for farmers to effectively prevent, diagnose, and manage them.

This article discusses five of the most common poultry diseases affecting Kenyan farms. Each disease presents unique symptoms, causes, and treatment methods, and most are preventable through proper hygiene, vaccination, and biosecurity practices. While some diseases affect all types of poultry, others are more common in certain breeds or age groups. Without timely intervention, these diseases can wipe out entire flocks within days.

We begin with Newcastle disease, one of the most devastating poultry illnesses in Kenya. It spreads rapidly and has no cure, making prevention through vaccination a top priority. Next, we look at infectious bursal disease, which weakens the bird’s immune system, leaving it vulnerable to secondary infections.

Fowl typhoid, a bacterial disease that affects both young and adult birds, is also covered in detail. We then examine coccidiosis, a parasitic disease that thrives in dirty and damp environments. Finally, we explore Marek’s disease, a viral infection that causes tumors and paralysis in young chickens.

By learning about these diseases, poultry farmers can better prepare themselves to protect their flocks. The article outlines symptoms to watch for, how each disease spreads, and the best prevention and treatment strategies available. With improved awareness and good management practices, farmers in Kenya can minimize the risk of disease, boost productivity, and build resilient poultry enterprises.

Let us take a closer look at these common poultry diseases in Kenya.

1. Newcastle Disease

Newcastle disease is one of the most serious and widespread poultry diseases in Kenya. It is a highly contagious viral illness that affects chickens, ducks, turkeys, and other domestic birds. The disease spreads rapidly through contact with infected birds, contaminated feed, water, clothing, and equipment. Due to its high mortality rate and lack of effective treatment, Newcastle disease is considered a major threat to poultry farmers.

The symptoms of Newcastle disease vary depending on the strain and the age of the birds. Common signs include coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, greenish diarrhea, loss of appetite, and sudden death. In severe cases, birds may show neurological signs such as twisting of the neck, paralysis, and tremors. Egg-laying hens may stop producing eggs or lay misshapen eggs with soft shells.

Prevention is the most effective way to control Newcastle disease. Vaccination should be done routinely, starting from the first week of a chick’s life and followed by booster doses as recommended by veterinary professionals. Good biosecurity practices are also essential. These include isolating new birds, disinfecting equipment regularly, and limiting the movement of people and vehicles in and out of the poultry area.

There is no specific treatment for Newcastle disease once birds are infected. Supportive care, such as providing vitamins and electrolytes, may help reduce stress and secondary infections. However, in most cases, infected birds die or are culled to prevent the spread of the virus.

Newcastle disease outbreaks can devastate poultry farms within a short period, especially where vaccination is neglected. Farmers must prioritize routine immunization and maintain high standards of hygiene and flock management. With proper preventive measures, it is possible to minimize the impact of this deadly disease on poultry production in Kenya.

Read Also: Best Ways to Prevent and Control Coccidiosis Among Poultry Birds

2. Infectious Bursal Disease

Infectious bursal disease, commonly known as Gumboro disease, is a viral infection that affects young chickens, especially those between three and six weeks old. It targets the bursa of Fabricius, an organ responsible for the development of the immune system in birds. As a result, infected chickens become highly susceptible to other infections, making the disease particularly dangerous for flock health.

The disease is caused by a virus that spreads through direct contact with infected birds or contaminated feed, water, litter, and equipment. It can survive in the environment for a long time, making it difficult to eliminate once an outbreak occurs. Symptoms typically appear suddenly and include ruffled feathers, watery diarrhea, trembling, dehydration, and severe depression. In some cases, birds may die without showing any clear signs of illness.

Infectious bursal disease is especially harmful because it suppresses the immune system, reducing the effectiveness of vaccines and making recovery from other infections more difficult. Mortality rates can range from 10 to 50 percent depending on the severity of the infection and the general health of the flock.

Prevention through vaccination is the most effective way to protect poultry against Gumboro disease. Chicks from vaccinated parent stock receive some protection through maternal antibodies, but they should still be vaccinated again at the appropriate age. Farmers should also practice strict hygiene and biosecurity measures, including cleaning and disinfecting poultry houses and equipment regularly.

There is no direct cure for infectious bursal disease. Supportive care can help reduce losses, but prevention remains the best strategy. Recognizing early symptoms and acting quickly can prevent the spread of infection to other birds.

By incorporating effective vaccination programs and maintaining clean living conditions, poultry farmers in Kenya can reduce the risk and impact of this damaging disease.

3. Fowl Typhoid

Fowl typhoid is a serious bacterial disease that affects poultry of all ages, although it is more severe in adult birds. Caused by the bacterium Salmonella gallinarum, this disease can result in significant economic losses due to high mortality rates, reduced egg production, and poor growth performance. It is a common concern for many poultry farmers in Kenya, especially those who do not practice proper sanitation.

The disease spreads mainly through contaminated feed, water, and equipment, as well as through direct contact with infected birds. It can also be passed from hen to chick through the egg. Symptoms include pale combs and wattles, greenish-yellow diarrhea, drooping wings, weight loss, reduced appetite, and a drop in egg production. In severe cases, sudden death can occur without obvious signs of illness.

Diagnosing fowl typhoid requires laboratory testing, but farmers can suspect the disease based on the visible symptoms and rapid spread within the flock. Treatment involves the use of antibiotics prescribed by a qualified veterinarian. However, overuse or misuse of antibiotics can lead to drug resistance, so treatment should always be done under professional guidance.

Prevention is key in managing fowl typhoid. This includes sourcing chicks from certified hatcheries, maintaining clean housing conditions, and practicing proper biosecurity. Vaccination is also available and can be an effective tool in reducing the risk of outbreaks. Regular disinfection of poultry houses, feeders, and drinkers is important to limit the spread of the bacteria.

Fowl typhoid poses a serious threat to poultry health and farm productivity if not managed properly. Early detection, prompt treatment, and strict hygiene practices can help farmers in Kenya protect their birds and sustain profitable poultry operations.

4. Coccidiosis

Coccidiosis is a parasitic disease caused by protozoa of the genus Eimeria, and it is one of the most common and costly poultry diseases in Kenya. It primarily affects the intestines of chickens, leading to poor nutrient absorption, weight loss, and in severe cases, death. Coccidiosis is particularly problematic in environments where hygiene is poor and where poultry are kept in confined or overcrowded conditions.

The disease spreads through contact with droppings from infected birds. The parasite’s eggs, known as oocysts, can survive in litter, soil, feed, and water, making it easy for healthy birds to become infected. Young chicks and growing birds are most vulnerable, although older birds can also be affected under stressful conditions.

Symptoms of coccidiosis include bloody or watery diarrhea, reduced appetite, ruffled feathers, droopiness, and poor growth rates. The disease can spread quickly throughout the flock, especially in warm, moist conditions where the parasites thrive. If not treated early, mortality can be high and surviving birds may suffer long-term health issues.

Treatment usually involves the use of anti-coccidial drugs available through veterinary services. It is important to administer the correct dosage and complete the full treatment to ensure the parasites are eliminated. However, overreliance on drugs can lead to resistance, making prevention strategies more important in the long term.

Preventing coccidiosis requires strict sanitation and regular cleaning of poultry houses. Dry litter management, good ventilation, and avoiding overcrowding can reduce the risk of infection. Vaccination is also available and can be effective, particularly in commercial setups.

Coccidiosis is a manageable disease if farmers stay vigilant and maintain clean, stress-free environments. With proper care, poultry farmers in Kenya can keep this common threat under control and maintain healthy, productive flocks.

5. Marek’s Disease

Marek’s disease is a highly contagious viral illness that affects chickens, especially young birds between six and twenty weeks old. It is caused by a herpesvirus that attacks the nervous system and internal organs, leading to paralysis, tumors, and often death. Marek’s disease is widespread in Kenya and poses a major threat to poultry farmers, particularly those who rear large numbers of birds in confined spaces.

The disease is spread mainly through feather dust, dander, and droppings from infected birds. Once introduced to a flock, the virus can remain in the environment for months, making it difficult to eliminate. Symptoms vary but often include lameness, partial or complete paralysis of the wings or legs, twisted neck, weight loss, and irregular pupils. Birds may also show signs of depression and reduced egg production.

There is no cure for Marek’s disease once a bird is infected. The best and most effective control measure is vaccination. Chicks should be vaccinated at day-old, preferably before leaving the hatchery, as the vaccine takes time to build immunity. While vaccination does not completely prevent infection, it significantly reduces the severity of the disease and mortality.

Maintaining good hygiene and reducing stress in poultry houses can also help control the spread of the virus. Farmers should avoid mixing vaccinated and unvaccinated birds and ensure that new stock is sourced from reputable suppliers. Regular cleaning, proper ventilation, and managing bird density can contribute to a healthier environment.

Marek’s disease is one of the most damaging poultry diseases in Kenya, but with vaccination and good farm management practices, it can be controlled. Farmers who prioritize early immunization and biosecurity will greatly reduce their risk of losses due to this disease.

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