Health and Care
Maintaining a healthy flock is one of the most important aspects of caring for chicken and other types of poultry and producing quality products. Penn State Extension offers a rich resource of information on common chicken diseases like Marek’s disease and Avian influenza, as well as chicken parasites like chicken mites and chicken lice.
Common Chicken Diseases
One exhaustive resource on chicken health and caring for chickens is the Poultry Health Handbook which offers detailed information about a number of common chicken diseases and their prevention. The guide will prove especially useful for flock owners and managers as well as workers in poultry facilities. Small-scale growers can view the video series on respiratory diseases in small flocks detailing the most common disease symptoms, getting help for affected birds, and disease prevention.
Preventing the spread of chicken respiratory infections is a key consideration in all flocks, especially large ones where the density of the birds is high. Growers can attend a seminar on the most common poultry respiratory diseases. Hatchery managers, supervisors and team members can also choose to take part in the Northeast Hatchery Conference which has a strong focus on biosecurity.
Avian influenza in chickens is a significant issue that growers with flocks of all sizes need to consider very seriously. The disease can cause chicken respiratory infection and in some cases can lead to significant losses for growers. Penn State extension offers a host of information on understanding and managing Avian influenza in chickens.
There are different strains of the virus, divided broadly into low pathogenic and highly pathogenic strains. Backyard and small flock poultry owners can consult a video about the symptoms and spread of highly pathogenic Avian influenza. Cases of infected birds transmitting the virus to humans are rare; however, it is possible for humans in close proximity to sick birds to get infected as well. A video guide with the measures that growers need to take if they suspect they have been infected with Avian influenza is available here.
Avian coryza is a contagious chicken respiratory infection, caused by bacteria, which occurs in some parts of the US. Vaccines are available to contain localized outbreaks of the disease. Marek’s disease is a highly contagious illness in chickens, significantly affecting chicken health and leading to high mortality. With any type of disease or condition affecting chicken lifespan and quality of life, timely action is key. Professional growers and backyard farmers can find a list of facilities - university diagnostic laboratories, veterinarians, and specialist hotlines - where they can seek help and receive advice on chicken care.
Poultry Dust, Mites, and Other Poultry Pests
Poultry lice, mites, flies and beetles are some common pests that producers need to consider in order to protect the health and wellbeing of their flocks. Detailed information on all common pests and the strategies to contain them is available in the article Pest Management Recommendations for Poultry.
Lesser mealworm beetles are one example of a pest that needs to be tightly controlled. These insects can multiply rapidly and carry disease pathogens that cause conditions like Marek’s disease and salmonella in poultry. Facility operators and managers can find information on the biology and behavior of Lesser mealworm beetles, as well as guidance on how to monitor them effectively and use chemical and biological control methods.
Chicken Biosecurity
Biosecurity management is an important approach that protects flocks and can help prevent common chicken diseases. Penn State Extension offers resources on testing and screening for pathogens, chicken vaccinations, quarantine of infected animals and other methods to prevent the spread of disease. Additional resources are available in recommendations on how to implement the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point system which contains valuable tips on containing the spread of salmonella in poultry and preventing the contamination of eggs with salmonella.
Producers will benefit significantly from a well-functioning poultry flock plan which can be an indispensable tool for emergency preparedness. Experts can view a video with practical demonstrations on how to conduct blood tests in chickens, restrain the birds, and handle blood samples.
Proper disposal of poultry carcasses is essential in terms of limiting the spread of contagious disease. Information on all approved disposal methods in Pennsylvania is available in a topical video.
- Workshops
Free
Application of Biosecurity Practices for Small Flocks
When 05/06/2024Length 2 hoursJoin us to learn basic poultry biosecurity practices, access HPAI information, resources, and contacts, and apply tailored measures to your premises. - Articles
Avian Metapneumovirus
Information for producers about Avian Metapneumovirus (AMPV) and the 2024 Avian Metapneumovirus outbreak in the United States. - Videos
What Should I Do if Health Issues Arise?
Length 4:06Where to get help if you are concerned you may have Avian Influenza. - Articles
West Nile Encephalitis and Poultry
A description and history of West Nile encephalitis, how it is transmitted, and how poultry is affected in Pennsylvania. - Videos
Protecting your Poultry
Length 10:03This video will walk you through the many responsibilities that go along with a poultry project such as keeping your birds healthy, happy, and free from harm. - Articles
Backyard Turkey Health
Turkeys are not just big chickens, their disease management and nutritional requirements are different. - Videos
Fly Control on Poultry Farms
Flies are a nuisance on poultry facilities and can transmit diseases. Learn how to use integrated pest management (IPM) to control pest flies safely and effectively. - Articles
Ascites (Pulmonary Hypertension Syndrome) in Poultry
Ascites is the accumulation of fluid inside the abdominal cavity as the consequence of increased pressure in the pulmonary arterioles. - Articles
Deworming Backyard Poultry
Poultry in all shapes and sizes may experience challenges with intestinal parasites. Here, you will learn more about the parasites and how to treat your flock for optimal health. - Videos
Make Biosecurity Your Routine
Length 5:02Biosecurity needs to be part of any poultry farm management plan. - News
Vaccination for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)
Date Posted 4/4/2023Frequently asked questions regarding the use of vaccination to protect domestic poultry flocks against highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). - Videos
What is Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza?
Length 6:40Video explaining causes and concerns of Avian Influenza - Videos
Respiratory Diseases in Small Poultry Flocks
Poultry respiratory symptoms have many potential causes with some more serious than others. - Articles
Poultry Production - Back to the Basics
Importance of water quality in poultry. Simple tips and advice to improve water sanitation. - Articles
Poultry Dust – What You Need to Know About Impact on Bird Health
This article explains what makes up poultry dust, how it can affect bird health, how it affects ventilation systems, and how to measure airborne dust levels in poultry houses. - Articles
Newcastle Disease (Avian Paramyxovirus-1)
Newcastle disease is a highly contagious viral disease that causes respiratory and neurological signs in various avian species. It may cause acute death. - Articles
Mycotoxins and Their Effect on Poultry and Swine Production
Feed grains contaminated by mycotoxins hurt feed quality and are detrimental to production in poultry and swine. Some key mycotoxins can induce differential impacts on poultry and swine production performance. - Articles
Managing Chicken Coccidiosis in Small Flocks During Summer
Coccidiosis can be a challenge for small flocks, especially those choosing antibiotic-free production. This article provides information on the parasite's life cycle, clinical signs, and treatment. - Articles
Management of Coccidiosis in Small Flocks
Coccidiosis is a common problem in small flocks. It can lead to reduced performance and mortality. Vaccination, preventative medication, and good management practices are key control measures. - Articles
Infectious Laryngotracheitis (ILT) in Poultry
Infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) is an acute, highly contagious respiratory disease primarily affecting chickens. - Articles
Infectious Bronchitis in Chickens
Infectious bronchitis is a highly contagious, acute infection of chickens characterized by nasal discharge, coughing, and rales. In layers, it causes a marked reduction in egg production and quality. - Articles
El Polvo en la Avicultura – Todo lo que Necesita Saber sobre su Impacto en la Salud de las Aves
Este artículo explica cómo se genera el polvo en las granjas avícolas, cómo puede afectar a la salud de las aves, cómo afecta a los sistemas de ventilación y cómo se miden los niveles de polvo en suspensión en las galeras avícolas. - Articles
Avian Necrotic Enteritis
Necrotic enteritis is an enteric disease of poultry characterized by patches of necrotic tissue on the intestinal epithelium. This disease can cause high mortality, primarily in juvenile broilers. - Articles
Avian Mycoplasmosis
Avian mycoplasmosis is an infectious respiratory disease that affects poultry. In laying hens, this disease causes reduced egg production and hatchability.