Poultry Respiratory Syndrome is one of the most common and economically damaging health issues in chicken production.
This syndrome occurs frequently, especially during seasonal weather changes and cold, humid periods. It is a complex disease involving coughing, rales, tracheitis, and reduced weight gain. Without timely intervention, mortality can increase rapidly, leading to major economic losses.
1. WHAT IS POULTRY RESPIRATORY SYNDROME?
Poultry Respiratory Syndrome is not a single disease. It is a multifactorial condition caused by the combination of viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, and poor environmental conditions.
Major causative agents include:
– Viruses: IB (Infectious Bronchitis), ILT (Infectious Laryngotracheitis), Newcastle Disease, Avian Influenza.
– Bacteria: CRD (Chronic Respiratory Disease), Complicated CRD, ORT (Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale), Infectious Coryza…
– Fungi: Aspergillus species; parasitic worms in the trachea.
– Contributing environmental factors: cold weather, high humidity, and elevated toxic gases such as NH₃, H₂S, CO₂ inside poultry houses.
Image of chicken farming
2. CLINICAL SIGNS IN THE FLOCK
Chickens affected by respiratory syndrome may show: reduced feed intake, fever, flocking together, weight loss, stunted growth, and increased respiratory secretions, leading to: Rales, open-mouth breathing, stretching neck to breathe. Nasal discharge, foamy mucus, coughing, head shaking
Layers often show decreased egg production and poor eggshell quality.
Severe cases may present with:
– Swollen face, head edema
– Bloody mucus in ILT infection
– Air sacculitis, pneumonia, pleuritis
3. NECROPSY FINDINGS
Common lesions observed during necropsy include:
– Congested trachea containing thick mucus
– Cloudy, thickened air sacs with yellow fibrin layers
– Congested lungs with purulent deposits or white membranes
– Pericarditis and perihepatitis in severe coli infections
For Avian Influenza, typical lesions include hemorrhages on shanks and multiple organ hemorrhages. Cases must be handled and disposed of according to veterinary regulations.
Image of chicken farming
4. EFFECTIVE TREATMENT (PRACTICAL PROTOCOL)
Step 1: Use antibiotics to control secondary bacterial infections
Recommended options for drinking water medication: Florfenicol, Doxycycline, Tilmicosin, or Tylvalosin. Select based on actual flock condition and local epidemiology.
Step 2: Anti-inflammatory – antipyretic – mucolytic therapy
Use products containing Paracetamol, Bromhexine… Additionally, PHENYXIN ORAL combines anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and mucolytic agents to support respiratory treatment effectively.
Step 3: Immune support
Supplement Vitamin C, electrolytes, B-complex, and probiotics. Products such as GLUCAN C, VITA C 20%, or HASPRO can help enhance immunity and stabilize gut microflora.
Treatment should be maintained for 3–5 consecutive days for optimal results.
In severe cases, injectable therapy may be required. A combination of CEFTIFUR POWDER + ENERGI 300 (mixed thoroughly), followed by the addition of LINSPETIN, can be administered via injection.
Image of chicken farming
5. LONG – TERM PREVENTION
– Keep the poultry house dry, clean, well-ventilated, and free from drafts
– Disinfect the farm twice per week
– Reduce toxic gases (NH₃), control humidity
– Supplement vitamins and herbal respiratory support
– Follow complete vaccination programs for IB, ND, ILT, ORT, and Avian Influenza as per veterinary guidelines
Poultry Respiratory Syndrome is complex but can be effectively controlled with early detection, proper treatment protocols, and consistent long-term prevention measures. Proactive health management will help maintain a healthy flock and ensure sustainable production.