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Infectious coryza in chickens: symptoms and treatment

 Bacterial diseases in chickens:

Gallo Menorca con coriza

Cock Menorca with coryza

Infectious coryza is a bacterial disease that affects the respiratory system of hens and spreads rapidly in the henhouse.

🔎 Quick summary

Avian Disease · Rapid Identification in Hens

  • 🦠 Type: Bacterial
  • ⚠️ Severity: Moderate (may worsen).
  • 🥚 Transmission: Direct contact and the respiratory tract
  • 👨‍⚕️ Risk: It does not affect humans
🚨 Warning signs
  • Swelling in the face or around the eyes
  • Runny nose (watery or thick)
  • Watery eyes or conjunctivitis
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Foul-smelling discharge
  • General lethargy

Symptoms of infectious coryza in chickens

Infectious coryza is a respiratory disease that primarily affects the upper respiratory tract of hens, causing highly visible symptoms in the head and eyes.

The most common symptoms are:

  • Swelling of the face and head
  • Watery eyes or eye discharge
  • Nasal discharge (initially watery, then thick and foul-smelling)
  • Swelling around the eyes
  • Difficulty breathing and wheezing
  • Loss of appetite
  • General lethargy

To better understand how this disease affects chickens, you can review the anatomy of the hen and its internal organs.

anatomia de la gallina con organos internos explicados esquema completo

Anatomy of the chicken: internal organs

Symptoms in advanced cases

  • Severe facial swelling (facial edema)
  • Closed or damaged eyes
  • Mucus buildup in the sinuses
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Decreased egg production
Coriza infecciosa gallinas: edema facial, ojo inflamado avanzado.

Advanced infectious coryza in hens, with facial inflammation and eye involvement.

How is infectious rhinitis spread?

Infectious coryza spreads very quickly within the chicken coop, especially when management practices are inadequate.

La proximidad entre gallinas favorece la rápida transmisión de la coriza infecciosa en el gallinero.

Close contact among hens facilitates the rapid spread of infectious coryza in the henhouse.

The main routes of transmission are:

  • Direct contact between birds
  • Nasal secretions from infected animals
  • Contaminated air (dust or particles)
  • Contaminated water or feed
  • People and equipment (clothing, boots, tools)

What is infectious coryza in chickens?

Infectious rhinitis is a bacterial disease caused by Avibacterium paragallinarum, which affects the upper respiratory system of birds.

It is characterized by:

  • Inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes
  • Involvement of the paranasal sinuses
  • Eye problems

It is a very common disease in chickens and can spread rapidly within a flock if not properly controlled.

How the common cold affects the body (pathogenicity)

Once the bacteria enter the body, they settle in the upper respiratory tract, causing inflammation and a buildup of mucus.

This leads to:

  • Blocked nasal passages
  • Mucus buildup in the sinuses
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Secondary infections

In more severe cases, the disease can spread and seriously weaken the animal.

Serious injuries

  • Inflammation of the paranasal sinuses
  • Accumulation of thick mucus
  • Lesions in the nasal cavity
  • Eye involvement

Example of lesions caused by infectious coryza in chickens:

coriza infecciosa gallinas lesion ocular infeccion ojo

Eye injury caused by infectious coryza in hens, with inflammation and damage to the eye.

Treatment of infectious coryza in chickens

Treatment must be carried out under veterinary supervision and usually involves the use of antibiotics.

tratamiento coriza gallinas limpieza ojo infeccion

Treatment of infectious coryza in chickens through direct management and care of the eye infection.

The following are commonly used:

  • Tetracyclines
  • Erythromycin
  • Ampicillin

Local treatments may also be used:

  • Cleaning the eyes and nostrils
  • Use of antiseptic solutions

Although treatment can improve symptoms, some birds may remain carriers.

Prevention of infectious coryza

Prevention is key to avoiding outbreaks in the chicken coop.

  • Ensure good ventilation.
  • Avoid overcrowding.
  • Isolate sick birds.
  • Clean and disinfect facilities.
  • Monitor sudden changes in temperature.
  • Vaccinate birds on high-risk farms.

Proper ventilation and management of the chicken coop are essential for preventing the onset of infectious coryza. In addition, other bacterial diseases such as pullorosis in chickens may occur under improper husbandry conditions, especially in young chicks.

🛡️ Key Prevention
  • Maintain good ventilation in the chicken coop
  • Avoid overcrowding the chickens
  • Quickly isolate sick birds
  • Avoid sudden changes in temperature and humidity
  • Clean and disinfect facilities and equipment
  • Control the introduction of new birds (quarantine)

Effective prevention not only protects the chickens but also reduces the risk of salmonella transmission to humans.

Can infectious rhinitis be transmitted to humans?

No, infectious rhinitis is not a zoonosis.

This disease affects only birds and poses no direct risk to humans.

How to Prevent the Spread of Infection Among People

  • Wash your hands after handling chickens or equipment.
  • Maintain good hygiene in the chicken coop.
  • Avoid unprotected contact with sick birds.
  • Disinfect tools and work clothes.

Although infectious coryza is not transmitted to humans, it is advisable to follow basic hygiene practices to prevent other health issues in the chicken coop.

Frequently Asked Questions About Infectious Coryza in Chickens

 

 What is infectious coryza in chickens?

It is a bacterial disease that affects the upper respiratory system of chickens, causing inflammation of the face and eyes and nasal discharge.

 How is coryza spread among chickens?

It is transmitted primarily through direct contact between birds, via nasal secretions, or contaminated air or through utensils, clothing, or people who have been in contact with infected birds.

What are the most common symptoms?

Symptoms include facial swelling, watery or closed eyes, a runny nose, difficulty breathing, foul-smelling discharge, and general weakness.

Is there a treatment for infectious rhinitis?

Yes, it can be treated with antibiotics under veterinary supervision, which helps control the disease, although some birds may remain carriers.

Can infectious rhinitis be prevented?

Yes, through good hygiene practices, proper ventilation, avoiding overcrowding, and implementing vaccination programs on at-risk farms.

Is infectious rhinitis transmitted to humans?

No, infectious rhinitis is not a zoonosis and does not pose a direct risk to humans.

Sources and references

Bibliography

This content has been compiled from poultry veterinary manuals and scientific literature on infectious coryza in birds, including:

  • Poultry Diseases (Iowa State University Press)
  • Studies on infectious coryza in birds and food safety
  • Research on egg transmission in chickens
  • Publications in specialized veterinary journals

 

Related diseases in chickens

 

colibacilosis en gallinas

Colibacillosis in chickens

Ombligo mal cicatrizado: Onfalitis

Omphalitis in chicks

Pullorosis o Diarrea blanca bacilar en pollito.

Pullorosis in chickens

 

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