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Poultry farming is one of the fastest-growing agricultural ventures in Nigeria, contributing significantly to food security, income generation, and rural employment. However, one of the major challenges facing poultry farmers is the high risk of diseases, which can spread rapidly and lead to significant losses. Poultry diseases not only reduce productivity but also increase the cost of production through medication, vaccination, and mortality-related losses.

Understanding common poultry diseases in Nigeria is essential for both beginner and experienced farmers. While good feeding and housing contribute to bird health, disease prevention and control remain central to maintaining a profitable poultry enterprise. Most poultry diseases in Nigeria are caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Some are highly contagious and can wipe out entire flocks within days if not detected and managed early.

This guide provides a detailed overview of five of the most common poultry diseases affecting Nigerian farms. It covers their causes, symptoms, methods of prevention, and available treatments. The article focuses on practical, field-based knowledge that farmers can use to recognize signs of illness and take timely action.

By the end of this article, you will be better equipped to protect your flock, reduce mortality rates, and improve your farm’s overall productivity. Whether you raise broilers, layers, or backyard chickens, disease management must be a priority. Let us start by examining Newcastle disease, which is considered one of the most devastating poultry diseases in Nigeria.

1. Newcastle Disease

Newcastle disease is one of the most widespread and deadly poultry diseases in Nigeria. It is caused by a virus that affects the respiratory, nervous, and digestive systems of birds. The disease is highly contagious and can affect chickens of all ages, though young birds and unvaccinated flocks are at higher risk.

The symptoms of Newcastle disease vary depending on the strain of the virus. Common signs include coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, greenish diarrhea, drop in egg production, and twisted necks or paralysis in severe cases. Birds may suddenly die without showing many early symptoms, especially during outbreaks involving the velogenic (very severe) strain.

Newcastle disease is mainly transmitted through direct contact with infected birds, contaminated feed, water, equipment, and farm workers. Wild birds and other animals can also spread the virus from one location to another.

There is no cure for Newcastle disease. Prevention through vaccination is the most effective strategy. Vaccines such as Lasota and I-2 are commonly used and should be administered according to the recommended schedule, starting from day-old chicks. Biosecurity measures such as footbaths, restricted access to poultry houses, and proper disinfection can also help limit the spread of the disease.

Outbreaks often occur during the dry season or in poorly ventilated, overcrowded poultry houses. Therefore, maintaining good hygiene, proper spacing, and timely vaccination can significantly reduce the risk.

Farmers must report any suspected outbreak to a veterinary professional or animal health authority to prevent further spread. Early detection and response are key to saving the rest of the flock and minimizing losses.

Read Also: How to Start a Poultry Farm in Nigeria

2. Coccidiosis

Coccidiosis is a common intestinal disease caused by a group of parasites known as Eimeria. These parasites invade the lining of the chicken’s intestines, leading to poor nutrient absorption, diarrhea, and eventually death if left untreated. The disease mostly affects broilers, layers, and growers between three and six weeks of age.

The most noticeable symptom of coccidiosis is bloody or watery droppings. Other signs include weakness, ruffled feathers, loss of appetite, weight loss, pale combs, and sitting in corners with drooping wings. In advanced cases, mortality can be high, especially in broilers.

Coccidiosis is spread through the ingestion of oocysts (eggs of the parasite) found in contaminated litter, water, feeders, and the environment. The disease is more common in deep litter systems where wet, dirty bedding allows the parasite to multiply rapidly. Overcrowding, poor sanitation, and warm, humid conditions create an ideal environment for outbreaks.

Treatment usually involves the use of anticoccidial drugs, which are available as feed additives or water-soluble medications. Some of the commonly used drugs include amprolium, sulfaquinoxaline, and toltrazuril. Early treatment can save a flock, but prevention is always more cost-effective.

To prevent coccidiosis, maintain dry and clean litter, avoid overcrowding, and use medicated feed or vaccines where necessary. Coccidiosis vaccines are available and are especially recommended in breeder and layer flocks. Rotation of anticoccidials is advised to prevent resistance buildup.

Proper litter management and early intervention play a crucial role in reducing the impact of this disease on your farm.

3. Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD)

Infectious Bursal Disease, also known as Gumboro disease, is a viral infection that primarily affects the immune system of young chickens, especially those between three to six weeks old. It is caused by the IBD virus, which targets the bursa of Fabricius—an important organ involved in the development of the bird’s immune system.

The main symptoms of IBD include sudden onset of weakness, diarrhea, dehydration, ruffled feathers, trembling, and huddling. The birds may show a reluctance to move and often have soiled vent feathers due to watery droppings. In many cases, mortality is high, especially when combined with secondary infections due to weakened immunity.

The virus spreads quickly through contaminated equipment, feed, water, and contact with infected birds. It can survive for a long time in the environment, making disinfection and sanitation extremely important in disease control.

There is no specific treatment for IBD once birds are infected. Supportive care such as multivitamins, glucose, and antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infections can reduce the impact. However, the most effective way to control IBD is through timely vaccination. The IBD vaccine is usually administered between 8 to 18 days of age, depending on the maternal immunity level of the chicks.

Strict biosecurity, regular vaccination, and good hygiene practices are essential to keep the disease under control. Avoid introducing unvaccinated or infected birds into the flock and thoroughly disinfect equipment and pens before introducing new birds.

Failure to prevent or manage IBD can result in poor flock performance and reduced resistance to other diseases.

4. Fowl Typhoid and Pullorum Disease

Fowl typhoid and pullorum disease are bacterial infections caused by different strains of Salmonella. Pullorum disease affects mostly young chicks and is caused by Salmonella pullorum, while fowl typhoid affects older birds and is caused by Salmonella gallinarum. Both diseases are highly contagious and can spread quickly if not contained.

Pullorum disease symptoms in chicks include white diarrhea that sticks to the vent, weakness, drooping wings, huddling, and high mortality. Fowl typhoid in adult birds causes yellowish-green diarrhea, swollen abdomen, loss of appetite, pale combs, and sometimes sudden death without clear signs.

These infections are transmitted through eggs (vertical transmission), contaminated feed and water, equipment, and human handlers. Infected parent stock can pass the bacteria to chicks through the eggs, making it essential to buy day-old chicks from reputable hatcheries with disease-free certification.

Treatment involves the use of antibiotics such as oxytetracycline or streptomycin under veterinary supervision. However, treatment does not always eliminate carriers, and such birds can continue to spread the disease.

The best approach to control Salmonella infections is through prevention. Practice good hatchery hygiene, avoid using eggs from infected birds, and maintain strict sanitation. Regular testing of breeding stock and culling of carriers are necessary in breeding operations.

Biosecurity, disinfection of pens, and control of rodents and flies also help reduce the spread of these diseases.

Preventing fowl typhoid and pullorum disease protects both flock health and human food safety, as some salmonella strains can also affect people.

5. Marek’s Disease

Marek’s disease is a highly contagious viral disease that affects the nervous system, eyes, and internal organs of chickens. It is caused by a herpesvirus and mostly affects birds between 6 to 30 weeks of age. The virus is transmitted through feather dust, droppings, and contaminated surfaces.

The symptoms of Marek’s disease vary depending on the organs affected. The most common signs include paralysis of the legs and wings, a dropped wing or twisted neck, blindness in one or both eyes, weight loss, and tumors in various parts of the body. Birds may have difficulty walking or may sit with one leg stretched forward and the other backward.

Marek’s disease is not treatable once symptoms appear. The only effective method of control is vaccination. The Marek’s vaccine is administered to day-old chicks at the hatchery. It does not cure the disease but provides immunity that prevents the virus from causing damage.

Biosecurity measures are also important in preventing the disease. Keep poultry houses clean and limit unnecessary movement of people, equipment, and birds. Always separate different age groups and avoid mixing vaccinated birds with unvaccinated ones.

While Marek’s disease does not spread through eggs, the virus can survive in the environment for months. Regular disinfection of pens and equipment helps reduce the viral load.

Vaccination and good farm hygiene are your best defense against this costly and often fatal poultry disease.

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