SALMONELLOSIS OR PARATYPHOID, WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS AND HOW TO TREAT IT
Posted by sharmila Samrai on
Signs of the disease:
GUT PARATYPHOID - Salmonella confined to the gut can be regarded as a true carrier of the disease as the only symptoms are mild or chronic loose droppings. When the pigeon passes droppings the Salmonella is released to infect other birds. Salmonella droppings are described as being green, smelly, bubbly and loose. Youngsters born with infection from the egg or pick it up within the first few days of life may die with acute watery diorrhea since they are not old enough for their immune system to have had a chance to build up immunity to this disease. Eggs that are produced by the cock and hen that have salmonella or E.coli in the droppings, can give a 'coating' of salmonella/Ecoli to the eggs, the bacterium passes into the egg where it will multiply. This will kill the developing chick causing a 'dead in the shell' scenario.
SYSTEMIC PARATYPHOID - After salmonella leaves the gut ( if the bird is under stress ) it enters the blood stream where it multiplies before moving to other sites eg joints, the brain.
JOINT PARATYPHOID - Salmonella circulating in the blood stream can settle into joints. This makes the joint painful ( dropped wing syndrome ) & result in the birds inability to fly.
NERVOUS PARATYPHOID - Salmonella circulating in the blood stream can be defined as 'Septicaemia' symptoms also include lack of balance, mis-pecking food, head twisting. These symptoms resemble paramyxo virus, however if you have vaccinated your birds you may discount PMV infection.
DISEASE PREVENTION - The effective control of Salmonellosis is by stopping the transfer of the disease and not allowing the organism to survive outside the host. First move is to identify the source of infection and eliminate this. The most common sources of salmonella are ferel pigeons and rodents followed by ordinary pigeons. Next clean lofts twice daily, although the floor can look clean, it will bactereologically clean. Using 'VIRKON S' as disenfectant is safe and effective. The blow torch is totally effective and if used thoroughly has the advantage of totally sterelising the loft surfaces of all microbes.
TREATMENT - Many antibiotics can be used eg Amoxycillin, chlotetracycline, furazolidone, enrofloxacin. Enrofloxacin, brand name 'BAYTRIL' is a favourite as it enters the joints and the brain where salmonella penetrate. Whichever drug is chosen, it is necessary to treat every bird in the loft for the recommended time period and to keep the loft very clean by using disenfection daily. We also recommend using YBS supplement aswell as this will help to keep your birds stable before treatment and help stop any deteriation as it helps provide essential vitamins and electrolytes.
Please contact our Meditech staff for help and advice as some medications we can only supply at the Pharmacy. Call 0121 505 6370
Regards Meditech