Poultry respiratory system challenges

Poultry respiratory system challenges – causes, symptoms and management

 The poultry respiratory system is a complex and efficient network that supports oxygen exchange, essential for growth, egg production, and overall bird vitality. This system is also highly sensitive to environmental, biological, and management stressors. Respiratory diseases and conditions are among the most common health challenges in poultry farming that can severely impact productivity and survival of the flock if not promptly addressed. Therefore, understanding causes of respiratory diseases or challenges among the flock  is key to preventing outbreaks and maintaining a healthy flock

Major causes of respiratory challenges in poultry chicken

1. Infectious agents
2. Environmental factor

Infectious agents – Infectious agents are among the leading causes of respiratory problems in poultry and can severely impact flock health, productivity, and survival. These agents include bacteria, virus and fungi that invade the respiratory tract, causing inflammation, tissue damage, and impaired oxygen exchange. Once introduced into a flock, they can spread rapidly, especially in poorly managed environments.

Common respiratory infections agents in poultry – Poultry respiratory infections agents are organisms including viruses, bacteria, and fungi, which causes respiratory problems in the birds. These organisms causes respiratory sicknesses which can significantly affect the productivity and survival of a flock. They often spread quickly through direct contact or airborne droplets, making early detection and proper management essential for maintaining flock health.

Common examples of these agents are –

Name of the organism	Class	Name od disease
Infectious Bronchitis	Virus	Infectious Bronchitis (IB)
Avian Influenza	Virus	Bird flu
Newcastle Disease Virus	Virus	Newcastle Disease (ND)
Infectious Laryngotracheitis Virus	Virus	Infectious Laryngotracheitis (ILT)
Mycoplasma gallisepticum	Bacteria	Chronic Respiratory Disease  (CRD)
Escherichia coli	Bacteria	Colibacillosis
Pasteurella multocida	Bacteria	Fowl Cholera
Aspergillus fumigatus	Fungi	Brooder Pneumonia

NB –These respiratory diseases occurs in different forms based on the severity of it in the bird at a particular time. Example is the Acute and Chronic Aspergillosis in the case of Brooder Pneumonia, as well as, velogenic, mesogenic and lentogenic forms of the Newcastle Disease

Environmental factors – The environmental condition of the farm (particularly the poultry house) plays a major role in triggering or worsening respiratory issues in poultry. Poor environmental situation in the poultry house can lead to the buildup of harmful gases which irritate the respiratory tract and weaken the bird’s immune system. When the environment is poorly managed, even minor infections can quickly escalate stress, adversely affecting the entire flock.

Possible environmental causes that could lead to respiratory diseases/distress in the flock include –

1. Poor ventilation in the poultry house – This is a situation of inadequate exchange of fresh air in the poultry house. This poor exchange of fresh air leads to the buildup of harmful gases like ammonia and carbon dioxide which irritate the respiratory tracts of the birds and increases the risk of respiratory infections.
2. High ammonia level in the poultry house – This is mostly due to wet litters and droppings. The bacteria agent breaks the mitogen in the droppings thereby creating ammonia gas that irritates the eyes and respiratory tract of the birds.
3. Extreme change in temperature – Sudden change in temperature from cold to heat (and otherwise) can cause stress on the bird. This stress can weaken the bird’s immune system and trigger respiratory problems.
4. Dusty and moldy litters – Dusty litters is common during the dry season when the flock excessively scratch on their beddings. While the moldy litters is more relevant during wet season. Moldy litters can be traced to poor drainage in the poultry house or leaky drinkers. Dusty litter causes irritation in the respiratory tracts of the birds while wet litters releases fungal spores into the air In the poultry house. The conditions weaken the immune system of the birds and increases the risk of respiratory distress.
5. Overcrowding – This is a situation where too many birds are kept in a limited space, thereby, exceeding recommended stocking density for the age and sizes of the birds. This situation creates stress and unhealthy conditions impacting adversely on the health, behaviour and productivity of the birds.

Common symptoms of respiratory distress/disease in poultry

Respiratory distress in poultry is a common sign of underlying respiratory diseases, which can significantly affect the health, productivity and survival of the flock.. Early detection of the signs of respiratory distress is crucial for timely intervention to prevent the spread of infection and reduce losses.

Common symptoms of respiratory disease in poultry irrespective of the cause of disease include –

1. Open-mouth breathing or gasping
2. Nasal discharge and sneezing
3. Coughing or rattling sounds
4. Swollen eyes and sinuses
5. Coughing with bloody mucus in severe cases for ILT
6. Swollen abdomen in severe cases of Colibacillosis
7. Wet dropping (diarrhea) during severe nephropathogenic strains in IB
8. Pale combs due to oxygen deficiency
9. Drop in egg production
10. Reduced feed intake and growth rate
11. Increased mortality

Control measures for poultry respiratory distress

Respiratory distress in poultry can significantly affect flock health, productivity, and profitability. Effective control measures focus on prevention, early detection, and proper management. Key control practices include:

1. Good Biosecurity: Restrict farm access, disinfect equipment, and prevent contact with wild birds to reduce disease introduction.
2. Proper Ventilation: Maintain adequate airflow to remove excess moisture, ammonia, and dust while supplying fresh air.
3. Vaccination: Implement recommended vaccination schedules against common respiratory diseases such as Newcastle disease, Infectious Bronchitis, and Avian Influenza.
4. Optimal Stocking Density: Avoid overcrowding to minimize stress and airborne pathogen spread.
5. Litter Management: Keep litter dry and clean to reduce ammonia buildup and bacterial growth.
6. Prompt Treatment: At the first sign of respiratory symptoms, separate the affected bird immediately from the flock, then consult a veterinarian for accurate diagnosis and appropriate medication.

Note – Consistently applying these measures helps maintain healthy respiratory function, enhances immunity, and supports sustainable poultry production.

Conclusion –

Respiratory system challenges in poultry can result in significant economic losses and compromise animal welfare if not properly addressed. As I always emphasize in disease management – prevent is always better than cure. Therefore, strong attention must be given to effective biosecurity measures, strict farm hygiene, timely vaccination and proactive healthcare practices.

Furthermore, farmers are also encouraged to work closely with veterinarians to develop effective health monitoring systems and quick response protocols.  Please don’t base your poultry healthcare decision on guesswork or impulse.

A stitch in time saves nine – review your farm’s respiratory health management practices, strengthen your biosecurity, and stay ahead of potential threats to protect your flock and your profits.

Read more on poultry respiratory system and biosecurity

https://poultrygist.com.ng/2024/10/biosecurity-in-poultry-farming/

https://poultrygist.com.ng/2025/07/respiratory-system-in-poultry/