If your chickens show symptoms such as labored breathing, facial swelling, inflamed eyes sticking shut due to conjunctivitis, and nasal discharge that starts clear but becomes thick and forms white pus clots — these are typical signs of Infectious Coryza. This disease affects chickens of all ages and can cause significant economic losses to poultry farms.
Infectious Coryza, also known as Infectious Sinusitis, Avian Coryza, or Swollen Head Syndrome, spreads rapidly in poor housing conditions or under harsh weather.
So, what exactly is Infectious Coryza in chickens, and how can it be effectively prevented?
1. CAUSE OF THE DISEASE
– Infectious Coryza is an acute contagious disease caused by the bacterium Avibacterium paragallinarum.
– The disease spreads quickly, especially when the farm environment is unhygienic or during adverse weather conditions.
– While the mortality rate from Infectious Coryza alone is about 5% of the flock, it often occurs in combination with other infections such as coli, CRD (Chronic Respiratory Disease), IB (Infectious Bronchitis), or ORT (Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale) — leading to higher mortality rates.
Image of Coryza in chickens
2. TRANSMISSION ROUTES
– The disease spreads horizontally through the respiratory tract, nasal discharges, direct contact, and contaminated equipment within the poultry house.
– All age groups of chickens are susceptible; however, Coryza is most common in birds over 2 months of age, particularly in layer hens. Older birds are generally more prone to infection.
3. LESIONS
– Nasal sinuses filled with inflammatory exudate — initially clear, later thick and cheese-like.
– Subcutaneous tissues of the head and wattles are swollen and edematous.
– Mucosal linings of the sinuses and eyes are inflamed and reddened.
– Internal organs often show secondary lesions due to concurrent infections, as Coryza itself produces few distinct internal lesions.
Image of Coryza in chickens
4. PREVENTION
– To prevent Infectious Coryza, poultry farmers should strictly follow biosecurity protocols, including: All-in, all-out management systems and maintaining appropriate stocking density. Vaccinate according to recommended schedules.
– Regular cleaning of the poultry house, feeders, and drinkers to keep the environment clean, well-ventilated, and free from harmful gases like NH₃ and CO₂
– Use safe disinfectants such as DEXON SUPER or IONDIN @ to sanitize the farm regularly — ideally 2–3 times per month. These products are safe for use even when birds are present.
– Apply microbial products such as BIOLAC or BIOFARM to reduce odors, lower toxic gases, and minimize pathogen load in the poultry environment.
Image of disinfection
5. TREATMENT
Step 1: Isolate sick chickens and disinfect the entire poultry area every 2 days. Ensure proper ventilation in the housing system.
Step 2: Boost Immunity and Recovery
Administer vitamin and electrolyte supplements, liver and kidney detoxifiers, and probiotics.
– ELECTROMIX and BEECOM WS — to enhance strength, supply electrolytes, and replenish vitamins.
– INTERTONIC ORAL or HEPASOL ORAL — to detoxify and support liver and kidney functions.
– TRISPRO or FIZYMLUS — probiotic supplements that improve digestion and reduce odor in the poultry house.
PARAMOL 200 WS or PHENYXIN ORAL — to reduce fever, inflammation, and swelling.
Step 3: Antibiotic Therapy
Administer antibiotics such as DIMOXAN WS, BIOCILLIN 200 WS continuously for 3–5 days to eliminate the causative bacteria.
Step 4: Post-treatment Recovery
Supplement with GOODCARE or MULTIVITA to enhance immunity, promote growth, and restore body condition after long-term antibiotic use.
By following the above four-step treatment plan and understanding the clinical signs of Infectious Coryza, poultry farmers can effectively identify, manage, and protect their flocks, ensuring better health and productivity.