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Infectious coryza in chickens: symptoms and treatment

Bacterial diseases in chickens:

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.

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

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.

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:

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.

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

Colibacillosis in chickens

Omphalitis in chicks

Pullorosis in chickens

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