1.Coccidiosis
Cause. Intracellular parasites;coccidia ;that live in theintestines.
D.V.E (DUCK VIRUS ENTERITIS)
Identification : The virus may be isolated from the liver and spleen of birds dying from this infection. Virus can be recovered by infecting susceptible ducklings, in which the disease can be reproduced; by inoculating embryonated Muscovy duck eggs on the chorioallantoic membrane; or by inoculating cell cultures of duck embryo or Muscovy duck embryo origin. The identity of the virus can be confirmed by neutralisation testsusing specific antiserum to inhibit pathological changes in the duck embryos or the cytopathological effects in the cell cultures, or by direct or indirect fluorescent antibody tests on infected cell cultures.
DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES Duck virus enteritis(DVE) is an acute, sometimes chronic, contagious virus infection that occurs naturally only in ducks, geese and swans. The agent is a herpesvirus and similar to Newcastle Disease in chickens. The infection has not been reported in other avian species, mammals or humans. Indomestic ducks and ducklings, DVE has been reported in birds ranging from 7 days of age to mature breeders. In susceptible flocks, the firstsigns are often sudden, high and persistent mortality with a significant drop in egg production. In chronically infected partially immune flocks, only occasional deaths occur. (In mine they did not stop laying and even laid eggs the morning they died)
Clinical signs associated with a DVE outbreak vary with the species, age and sex of the affected birds, and the virulence of the virus. In breeder ducks, the range of signs include photophobia (fear of light or apparent blindness), polydipsia, loss of appetite, ataxia,watery diarrhoea and nasal discharge. Birds often have ruffled feathers and soiled vents. Sick birds may maintain an upright stance by using their wings for support, but their overall appearance is one of weakness and depression. In ducklings 2-7 weeks of age, losses may belower than in older birds, and the signs associated with DVE infection include dehydration, loss of weight, a blue colouration of the beaks,and bloodstained vents.
REQUIREMENTS FOR VACCINES A live attenuated virus vaccine can be used to control DVE in birds over 2 weeks of age. Fattening or breeding ducks may be vaccinated subcutaneously or intramuscularly to produce an active immunity. The vaccine virus is not thought to spread by contact from vaccinated to unvaccinated ducks, as the unvaccinated birds remain susceptible to infection.
Gleaned and edited From Various sources on
the net and elsewhere
The position with the vaccine is that it was brought into
this country from Holland by Intervet after a request from
Slimbridge. They imported a large quantity and sold few ,
when I had an outbreak it had to be a special order which
takes a week .As many vets are not totally au fait with
waterfowl the disease is still little known but as it has
the same devastating effects as Newcastles it should not be
ignored . Vaccination for duck viral enteritis is now
routine in the United States but in the UK you often cannot
even get the vaccine so if wild birds fly in to your pens
and birds die suspect DVE . . . .
http://en.wikivet.net/Duck_Viral_Enteritis
3.Angel Wing
Angel Wing In Ducks And GeeseAngel wing, also known as slipped wing, crooked wing or drooped wing, is a condition of ducks and geese where the last joint ofthe wing is twisted and the wing feathers point out, and do not lay smooth against the body.
It is more common in geese and typically in either the left wing or both wings, only rarely in the right wing only. Males develop it more than females. The birds that develop the problem are perfectly healthy, they are just not as nice looking.
The cause of angel wing is thought to be a nutritional problem due to excess feed. You see, waterfowl that normally mature in the Arctic environment do not show any angel wing because of their naturally fast growth. It does appear, however, in those species that come from a more temperate environment where they grow slower under natural feeding conditions. But by feeding them unlimited, high protein, high energy feed, they grow unnaturally fast and their wing weight seems to outgrow the strength of the wing to support it. Further proof that this may be the cause can be found in an article that said"If their wings start drooping they are put on a diet of alfalfa; grass or layers pellets (instead of Chick Growers) until the condition clear sup."
The only wild waterfowl populations known to be affected are those fed by man. In Sweden, ten different park populations of Canada geese produced angel wing. The following year one flock was not fed any artificial feed and there were no angel wing goslings produced.
We suggest not to feed high protein, high energy feed (such as turkey feed), provide plenty of room for exercise, keep in small groups, provide plenty of grass or green feed and keep the pen dark at night if possible so less eating occurs. If you do notice a twiste dwing, however, you can form a sling to hold the wing in place to allow proper development.
4.Poisons and Toxins
POISONS AND TOXINS
Numerous poisonous plants, chemicals and metal scan cause nervous signs in free-range ducks when eaten in sufficient quantity.The presence of a poisonous plant does not necessarily mean that poisoning by that particular plant has occurred. Normally ducks discriminate against most poisonous plants, provided they are fed a well-balanced ration or have access to other green feed. Accidental ingestion of the odd poisonous seed and leaf ordinarily does not produce any adverse reactions. Only when the poisonous plant becomes a substantial part of the diet, or when minute quantities are consumed regularly over a long time, may signs be evident. The amount of plant material that will produce signs of poisoning depends to a large degree on the nature of the toxic principle, the part of the plant ingested and its stage of growth, soil and weather conditions and the general health of the flock.
Chemical poisons
Lead. Some commercial preparations of lead that were used in paints and garden sprays, as well as metallic lead in the form of spent shot, can cause leg paralysis and a green-stained vent.
Phosphorus. The yellow phosphorus used in bait for rodents and also in matches and fireworks can be poisonous to ducks if enough is consumed. Signs include depression, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, muscular weakness, paralysis, coma and death.
Antifreeze solutions (ethylene glycol). Ducks gaining access to this chemical may consume large amounts it is sweet and sugary tasting thus irresistable, resulting in depression, muscle weakness anddeath.It is also poisonous to cats/rats/foxes and other mammals.
Diazinon. This is an insecticide normally used on sheep, pigs and chicken runs. It is highly toxic to ducks. Signs of poisoning include inability to stand, tremors of the head and neck, and eventually death within 24 hours of exposure.
Salt. Four to six grams of salt can be fatal to growing ducks. Signs include great thirst, diarrhoea, weakness, partialparalysis and intermittent muscular spasms.
Medications. Any medication can cause losses andside effects when applied wrongly. Ducklings are particularly susceptible tonitrofurazone and furazolidone, and levels above 0.01 per cent can produce paralysis and other nervous signs. A characteristic offurazolidone poisoning is that birds have convulsions when forced to move. If sulphonamide compounds are given in excessive amounts or overperiods longer than prescribed they will cause a stiff gait as well as other signs.
5.Worms
WORMS
Cause. Ducks can be affected by any of the fourtypes of worms that infest other domestic poultry roundworms (Ascaridia spp.);tapeworms; caecal worms (Heterakis spp.), and hairworms (Capillaria spp.).
Ages affected. All ages are affected, but olderducks have better resistance to worms than ducklings and generally show milder effects, if any. Young ducklings are particularly susceptible, and heavy worm infestations may kill them or stunt their growth.
Source of infection. The duck can become infested with worms by eating various insects, slugs or earthworms that may harbour stagesof each parasite, or by eating worm eggs passed in the droppings of other birds. Worm eggs hatch in various sections of the gut. They reach maturity in 21-;100 days. During this period the immature stages can penetrate various organs. Some of the roundworm larvae can find their way into the bloodstream and thence to the liver or lungs, where they can cause damage.
Clinical signs. These vary enormously and will depend on the type of worms, degree of infestation and the age of the birds. Birds heavily infested with roundworms or hair worms may die suddenly. This often happens when large numbers of immature roundworms migrate through essential body organs .However birds more often do not die suddenly but develop poorly, become weak and eventually die. With heavy roundworm or hairworm infestation ducks almost always have a diarrhoea that can range from frothy yellow to blood-tinged. Occasionally they develop an unsteady gait and paralysis. With heavy tapeworm and caecal worm infestation ducks sometimes have diarrhoea, but often just show poor weight gain and a drop in egg production.
Diagnosis. The diagnosis can be made instantly ifthere are a large number of worms in the intestines at post-mortem.Alternatively, intestinal scrapings or samples from fresh droppings can be examined under a microscope.**A home test is to put fresh droppings in a jam jar add water...worms swim out...ugh!**
Treatment. There are two approaches to worm treatment: * the use of broad-spectrum chemicals that are effective against the major groups of worms * the use of narrow-spectrum chemicals that are effective against a particular type of worm A good broad-spectrum treatment can be achieved by the use of levamisole(sheep wormer). This chemical is effective against both mature and immature stages of roundworms, caecal worms and hairworms. For the treatment of roundworm sexclusively, the various piperazine-based compounds are highly effective, provided the dose rate is adequate. If you need to treatcaecal worms and tapeworms you can use phenothiazine and mansonil respectively. The drug dibutyltin-dilaurate is also effective against tapeworms, but it can cause a 10% drop in egg production.
Control and prevention. None of the chemicals mentionedearlier is effective against the egg stage of worms. Ducks run on deep litter or in open range will be reinfested unless husbandry andmanagement procedures are directed towards prevention of reinfestation. You can achieve short-term prevention by repeating treatment of thewhole flock after 2 weeks, 6 weeks and 3 months. Long-term solutions include various husbandry practices aimed at lowering the chance and degree of reinfestation. To minimise or prevent reinfestation with caecal worms, roundworms and hairworms, you should:
* rotate runs;* worm strategically at danger periods;*separate ducks of different age groups;* use reasonable stocking rates;* provide clean pens;
Many of you particularly if you keep a number of geese will run them with other livestock such as sheep or horses . If a combined worming programme is not used there can often occur a case of worm resistance in one of the breeds . As an example , if geese or ducks are kept with sheep , goats or cattle the larger species can be wormed and the wormer will cause them to shed parasite eggs . Many of these will be killed , the others are then picked up by the goose or duck and will pass through their system and later reinfect the host, this being a frequent cause of "worm resistance" . The smaller species may also suffer as they may be reinfected via the larger re distributing their own worm eggs.
The simplest way to treat this is to use the same wormer on both species and if the makers labels and dose ratings are followed (often with a calculator to reduce the dose from many kilo to one and a half!) . The option of adding a syringe to the mouth of individual geese is both time consuming and stressful to both owner and animals , a better method is to dilute the dose for the pen or pens and make up awet mash or to soak the grain. Egg withdrawal for most makes is twenty four hours remembering that this is the day after worming as the eggs laid on the day of worming were produced during the previous day . (They can be added to food for growers but will not incubate).
Another option is to run species together whichcancel out the worms of each other such as geese and horses . Many of the Victorian horse books talk of this being "efficacious" and is probably the reason for so many geese being painted in stable yards. For those without an"estate" the muscovy is a smaller version , although it is technically neither goose nor duck it is closer to the goose genetically and I personally sell a number of muscovies for general farmyard hoovering . Perhaps the only drawback to this is it enables a broody goose or muscovy to hide their clutch even more effectively making the young susceptible to small rodents and the resulting rugby scrum to collect the babies whilst being 'assisted by mum' is another story.**To confirm gets gross but saves money scoop duck poop into a jam jar add waterworms swim/float out !**6.Avian Influenz / AI
Avian Flu . . . some facts for waterfowl keepers
*** Muscovies are sentinel birds ie drop dead with DVE orAvian Influenza before other breeds so suspicious Muscovy deaths are always aVET job***
Current Regulations
A few little pointers from conversations with DEFRA:-Birds do not have to be moved inside unless an outbreak occursin your area but make contingency plans to do so.
DEFRA do not consider vaccination an option. Current vaccines are not effective against this strain of AI. They would only considerit if there is a world-wide epidemic.
Waterfowl would not need to be housed if an outbreak occurred if you were able to confine them in a pen with wire sides, apertures no more than 25mm and cover the top so that no wild bird faeces can fall through.
History of the Disease
When avian influenza outbreaks occur in poultry,quarantine and depopulation (or culling) and surveillance around affected flocks is the preferred control and eradication option in most areas .However, it is virtually impossible to fully eliminate the virus from the environment because it can stay hidden in ducks. At an international conference in Ho Chi Minh City this week, officials said extensive research since the first major outbreak last year has confirmed that wild birds, particularly ducks, are primary reservoirs for the H5N1 virus, since they can carry it without falling ill.Recent research findings give further cause for concern. New research suggests that H5 viruses are becoming more capable of causing disease (pathogenic) for mammals than earlier H5 viruses and are becoming more widespread in birds in the region. One study found that ducks infected with H5N1 are now shedding more virus for longer periods of time without showing any symptoms of illness. This has implications for the role of ducks in transmitting disease to other birds and possibly, to humans as well. Additionally, other findings have documented H5infection among pigs in China and H5 infection in felines (experimental infection in house cats in the Netherlands and isolation of H5N1 viruses from infected tigers and leopards in Thailand), suggesting that cats could host or transmit the infection. These finding are particularly worrying due to the fact that reassortment of avian influenza genomes is most likely to occur when these viruses demonstrate a capacity to infect multiple species, as is now the case in Asia.
Domesticated birds may become infected with avian influenza virus through direct contact with infected waterfowl or other infected poultry, or through contact with surfaces (such as dirt or cages) or materials (such as water or feed) that have been contaminated with the virus. People, vehicles, and other inanimate objects such as cages can be responsible for the spread of influenza virus from one farm to another. When this happens, avian influenza outbreaks can occur among poultry, these outbreaks occur worldwide from time to time. Since 1997, for example, more than 16 outbreaks of H5 and H7 influenza have occurred among poultry in the United States. The H5N1 virus is easily spread from farm to farm among domestic poultry through the feces of wild birds. The virus can survive for up to four days at 71 F (22 C) and more than 30 days at 32 F (0 C). If frozen, it can survive indefinitely so here in the UK it can transmit if imported.
The current outbreak of bird flu is different from earlier ones in that officials have been unable to contain its spread. An outbreak in 1997 in Hong Kong was the first time the virus had spread to people, but it was much more quickly contained. A total of 18 people were hospitalized with six reported deaths. About 1.5 million chickens were killed in an effort to remove the source of the virus. Low pathogenic forms of avian influenza viruses are responsible for most avian influenza outbreaks in poultry. Such outbreaks usually result in either no illness or mild illness (e.g., chickens producing fewer or no eggs), or low levels of mortality. When highly pathogenic influenza H5 or H7 viruses cause outbreaks, between 90% and 100% of poultry can die from infection. Animal health officials carefully monitor avian influenza outbreaks in domestic birds for several reasons:Bird flu is not the same as SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome). Although their symptoms are similar, SARS is caused by completely different viruses. Influenza viruses also are more contagious and cannot be as readily contained as SARS by isolating people who have the infection.
Avian influenza viruses circulate among birds worldwide. Certain birds, particularly waterfowl, act as hosts for influenza viruses by carrying the virus in their intestines and shedding it. Infected birds shed virus in saliva, nasal secretions, and feces. Susceptible birds can become infected with avian influenza virus when they have contact with contaminated nasal, respiratory, or fecal material from infected birds. Fecal-to-oral transmission is the most common mode of spread between birds.Most often, the wild birds that are host to the virus do not get sick, but they can spread influenza to other birds. Infection with certain avian influenza A viruses (for example, some H5 and H7 strains) can cause widespread disease and death among some species of domesticated birds. (
Complicating the issue are traditional methods o f farming in Asia that allow free-range ducks who roam from paddy to paddy to mix with chickens and other livestock.In Vietnam, for example,there are an estimated 59 million ducks, geese and other waterfowl, most raised in open-air backyard farms, according to agriculture figures.Vietnam has banned the breeding of ducks until June 30 2005. Ho Chi Minh City has ordered a cull of all ducks this month (March 2005 ).
Evidence suggests that trade in live poultry, mixingof bird species in farms and markets, and poor biosecurity in poultry production play a much bigger role than wild bird movements, Agencies"advises against the destruction of wild birds and their habitats" since it is unlikely to have a major impact on controlling the bird flu..
Countries last year gave only about $18 million to fund an emergency response to the bird flu outbreak, which is an alarming lack of commitment. Earlier this week, Thailand approved a program to vaccinate free-range chickens, ducks, fighting cocks and tropical birds in a bid to ward off bird flu, reversing an earlier ban on the practice.
Experts have warned that the H5N1 virus, which has ravaged the region's poultry industry and killed 45 people across Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia, could well become even deadlier if the virus mutates into a form that is easily transmitted between humans. So far there is no evidence of that, but health and animal experts say the longer it remains in the environment, the greater the chances of the virus changing and triggering a global pandemic that could kill millions.
* Background: Influenza A (H5N1) is a subtypeof the type A influenza virus. Wild birds are the natural hosts of the virus -- hence, the name avian influenza or bird flu. The virus wasfirst isolated from birds (terns) in South Africa in 1961. The virus circulates among birds worldwide. It is very contagious among birds andcan be deadly to them, particularly domesticated birds like chickens.
* Infection: The virus does not typicallyinfect humans. In 1997, however, the first instance of direct bird-to-human transmission of influenza A (H5N1) virus was documentedduring an outbreak of avian influenza among poultry in Hong Kong; the virus caused severe respiratory illness in 18 people, of whom 6 died.Since that time, there have been other instances of H5N1 infection among humans However, H5N1 viruses thus far have not been capable ofefficient human-to-human transmission; health officials continue to monitor the situation closely for evidence of H5N1 transmission betweenpeople.
* Spread: Infected birds shed virus in saliva,nasal secretions, and feces. Avian influenza viruses spread among susceptible birds when they have contact with contaminated excretions.It is believed that most cases of H5N1 infection in humans have resulted from contact with infected poultry or contaminated surfaces.
7.Feeding and Waterfowl
Much has been written on how best to feed waterfowl and indeed perhaps too much and I am often asked how best to look after feeding stock.
Waterfowl generally get unfortunately classed as poultry and get fed accordingly.Although I keep both I try to feed waterfowl slightly differently.
Most important as with all stock, is the first 6 /8 weeks.Ducks and geese grow at a much faster rate than chickens and therefore have a greater nutritional requirement early on. This is best achieved with a propriety starter crumbs of at least 18 % protein.With geese and heavy ducks I supplement this with extra protein and vitamins using fish meal brewers yeast and vitamin supplements ( for goats !)Lack of development in the first few weeks is almost impossible to rectify later.
After the first 6 / 8 weeks I slowly change over to growers ration.I prefer to use a poultry grower without any medicants. Despite opinions to the contrary I have successfully used growers rations without coccidiosis for many years without any losses in poultry...even though all my stock are range reared. I also like to supplement rations with grass meal. This is an exceptional source of many vitamins and minerals and also beneficial for feather quality.Palatability is reduced if more than 5 % grass meal is included in any ration.
From about 8 weeks I start to introduce a proportion ofcereals in to the growers ration but being careful not to add too much as the vitamin /mineral balance can be upset. I adjust this by addition of a mineral supplement.
I continue with this ration until about November when I switch to a complete wheat diet as I like to over winter my waterfowl lean and mean so that they don't get too fat. Whilst birds for showing are separated and fed differently.Six weeks before I want to start collecting eggs for breeding I switch to a good quality waterfowl breeders pellet to encourage fertility and hatchability. This system had worked successfully for me over many seasons .
8. Avian Pneumonia, Brooder pneumonia, Mycotic pneumonia, Pneumomycosis
Rare in humans, aspergillosis is a common and dangerous infection in birds. Mallards and other mallard line ducks are particularly susceptible, as they will often resort to poor food sources during bad weather. It can be acute in chicks, but chronic in mature birds ie the adults carry the disease and pass it on to their offspring. Severe outbreaks usually occur in birds 7–40 days old. High mortality rates are seen in chicks and poults that inhale large numbers of spores during hatching in contaminated incubators or when placed on mould-bearing litter. In older birds, infection is caused primarily by inhalation of spore-laden dust from contaminated litter or feed or dusty range areas. Morbidity can be underestimated in finishing meat flocks until slaughter inspection reveals pulmonary lesions. An affected duck or duckling will have labored breathing, although that can also indicate pneumonia. You can treat aspergillosis with a fungicide, but it will not normally be successful. Keep living areas clean and dry and you should be able to avoid this infection. Also be careful with the ducks’ feed. Store it in a cool, dry place and never use feed that has gone mouldy. Ducks can get aflatoxin poisoning from a mould that grows on grain. Ducks are very susceptible to the mould’s toxin and even small amounts can be fatal.
Aspergillosis has been the culprit in several rapid die-offs among waterfowl with data kept mainly in the USA rather than in the UK. From 8 December until 14 December 2006, over 2,000 Mallards died in the Burley, Idaho area of the USA, an agricultural community approximately 150 miles southeast of Boise. Mouldy waste grain from the farmland and feed in the area is the suspected source. A similar aspergillosis outbreak caused by mouldy grain killed 500 Mallards in Iowa, USA, in 2005.
Treatment of affected birds is generally ineffective. Spontaneous recovery from pulmonary aspergillosis can occur if re-exposure to the mould is prevented. Strict adherence to sanitation procedures in the hatchery minimizes outbreaks. Grossly filthy or cracked eggs should not be set for incubation, because they enable bacterial and fungal growth and may explode and disseminate spores throughout the machine. Contaminated incubators ( ie after suspecting this ) should be thoroughly cleaned and fumigated with enilconazole or formaldehyde. Avoiding mouldy litter or pens serves to prevent outbreaks in older birds. Cleaned pens should be sprayed or fumigated with enilconazole following label directions, and all equipment should be cleaned and disinfected.. . jeyes fluid works. If in doubt re bedding if it smells mouldy do not use it shredded newspaper or in sheet form is often better for babies as they catch it from mouldy bedding very very quickly !
There is no connection between aspergillosis and the H5N1 strain of avian influenza (commonly called "bird flu"), rapid die-offs caused by aspergillosis can spark fears of bird flu outbreaks. Laboratory analysis is the only way to distinguish bird flu from aspergillosis. as with all things waterfowl major numbers dying together ask the vets advice
9.Mites ,Bugs and all things crawly
Bugs and all things crawly
Fleas:
Fleas are small and dark in colour and can jump high into the air. They feed on blood and can live without food for a long time. The eggs and young of fleas are found in the birds' nests and cracks in walls and floors of buildings. One type of flea infects ducks and is found around the eyes mainly in babies . They can bite people.
Mites
All classes of poultry
are susceptible to mites, some of which are
blood-suckers, while others burrow into the skin or
live on or in the feathers. Others occur in the air
passages and in the lungs, liver and other internal
organs. There are four different
kinds of mites which are important to poultry
keepers—northern fowl mite, red poultry mite,
depluming mite and scaly leg mite. If ducks are not
kept in close association with poultry, then only
northern mite affects them. This mite looks very
like red mite which spends a lot of its time in the
woodwork of the poultry house. Both of these mites
are blood suckers, and the northern mites lives on
the bird all the time.. Poultry mites cause
retarded growth, reduced egg production, lowered
vitality, damaged plumage and even death. Much of the
injury, consisting of constant irritation and loss of
blood, is not apparent without careful examination. A
number of different mites infect birds and cause
irritation and loss of feathers. Mites
are related to spiders and have eight legs and are
normally found when at shows and warm with the poor
judge finding them and often transmiiting them by
accident. . . hence many quarantine those
returning from shows
Lice
Ducks can occasionally suffer from infections with lice which suck blood and chew the skin . The parasites can attack all areas of the body and are found on the skin and feathers. Lice are six-legged insects. The ones which affect the waterfowl are quite long-bodied, and are greyish. Lice infections cause irritation and prevent birds from resting, sleeping and eating properly. The birds lose weight and egg production drops. In ducks infection with lice can damage feathers so that the birds die from cold. Mainly found around the vent and neck area
Ticks infections of chickens and ducks
Both chickens and ducks can be attacked by the small, blue or brownish fowl tick. They live in cracks in walls or trees and can live for several years without feeding on the blood of a bird. The tick feeds at night and can cause egg laying to stop. It causes tick paralysis in ducks and spreads other infections. Check online re tick removal as nasty
Control of External Parasites
There are many insecticides available to help control external poultry parasites. The most effective broad spectrum insecticide is permethrin. Permethrin has a significant residual activity, thus making it ideal for treating facilities and equipment. At reduced concentrations it can be applied to the bird. Follow all manufacturers recommendations when using all insecticides. Johnson’s pigeon spray contains biodegradable pyrethrum and works well.
10. Curled Toes
If you are hatching your ducklings, you may see some come out of the egg with toes curled up like a fist. If they don’t straighten out after a day, you should correct them with a homemade splint. Cut a piece of cardboard to match the size of the duckling’s foot. Uncurl the foot and flatten it against the cardboard. Stick it to the cardboard with band-aids. Keep the splint on for about eight hours and check the status. Put on a new splint if needed. For broken twisted legs use cotton buds as splints remeber bird bones are hollow so anything for a splint must be light and non abrasive as their skin tears easily
11. Duck Virus Hepatitis
Ducklings between one day and about a month old are susceptible to this contagious and fatal disease. As they get older, the ducklings develop a resistance to it. The disease sets in quite rapidly and spreads very quickly. It typically produces a mortality rate close to 100 percent in a group of ducklings. Symptoms of hepatitis include spasms and contractions in legs and arching. Affected ducklings may die within an hour of symptoms being seen. The only way to deal with this disease is to prevent its occurrence. Keep young ducklings separated from older ducklings and ducks. If you are breeding ducks, the mother should be vaccinated against hepatitis.. . . more common in commercial flocks
12. Wet Feather
Another condition that can affect your ducks and ducklings if you do not provide them with dry enough quarters is wet feather. You will recognize wet feather by a dirty appearance and waterlogged down. The cause of this is living in wet and muddy conditions without reprieve. When the ducks spend so much time being wet and muddy, they cannot get clean or dry. You can prevent wet feather by keeping your ducks’ living area clean and dry. When the weather is excessively wet for an extended period of time, keep them inside and dry. If they do develop wet feather, it usually corrects itself in the next season with new feather growth. Use pallets as duck decking for feed/ water bowls in winter, have areas they can sit on off the ground all help
13. Avian Cholera
Avian or fowl cholera is caused by a certain bacterium that infects ducks called Pasteurella multocida. The infection occurs most often in locations that are unsanitary or where ducks have standing water in their pens. Symptoms of the cholera include diarrhea, mucous discharge, a loss of appetite, and labored breathing. There are treatments, but keeping conditions clean, sanitary, and dry can usually prevent an outbreak.. . . normally a hotter country than the Uk but possible
14. Botulism
The bacterium Clostridium botulinum produces toxins that are dangerous to ducks. Colonies of this bacterium grow in stagnant ponds and in other areas where organic matter is decaying, such as near animal carcasses. The toxins produced can cause ducks to lose control of the muscles in their legs, neck, and wings. You will see the duck’s neck go limp, which is why this is also called limberneck. The affected duck will also be unable to swallow. Avoid poisoning by keeping ducks away from stagnant water, especially in hot weather when the bacteria grow the most. The duck may die rapidly, but you can attempt an old treatment. Give the duck water with one tablespoon of Epsom salts to one cup of water. Administer it with a syringe (not with a needle) because it cannot swallow easily., , make sure to trickle down so it does not get fired into the lungs
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