Common Duck Diseases to Be Aware of When Getting Started in Rearing Ducks

When keeping ducks, precautionary measures should
be taken to prevent them from contracting
diseases, and if already infected, prevent them
from spreading further. Ducks, just like any
other poultry species, are also prone to
diseases and infections. Since ducks live in
close proximity with each other, the latter
measure is somewhat harder to do which is why it
is of prime importance that ducks be vaccinated
to prevent these infections.

One of the most common duck diseases is Duck
Virus Hepatitis. It is a fatal disease that
usually attacks ducklings that are about 1 to 28
days old. The reason why they are easily attacked
by this disease is their vulnerability. Their
immune system is not yet fully developed and as
such make them susceptible to it. The disease
spreads rapidly and can cause up to 90%
mortality. The signs manifested by ducklings are
series of spasmodic contractions on their legs
with an enlarged liver that shows hemorrhagic
spots. Ducklings can die in as fast as one hour
in a characteristic 'arched-back' position.

Duck plague, on the other hand, is a disease
caused by the herpes virus and is one of the
most highly contagious duck diseases there is.
Infected birds are sluggish, have ruffled
feathers and greenish-yellow diarrhea that are
sometimes stained with blood. The hallmark of
the disease is the eruptive lesions that can be
found on the mucus lining of the duck's
esophagus.

One of the most troublesome duck diseases is
fowl cholera. This disease is caused by a
bacterium called Pasteurella multocida and is
often associated with poor sanitation. The
symptoms include diarrhea, mucous discharges and
loss of appetite. The liver also enlarges and
becomes friable. The disease can be prevented
with good sanitation and medications such as
Chlortetracycline.

The Pasteurella anatipestifer infection is one
of the duck diseases that cause high mortality.
The symptoms associated with this disease are
eye discharges, diarrhea, lack of coordination,
and twisted neck. Most birds are seen lying on
their backs while they paddle their feet in the
air. The disease usually attacks the air sacs
and lining of the vital organs like the heart
and the lungs.

Colibacillosis and Aspergillosis are duck
diseases caused by a bacterium and fungi
respectively. Colibacillosis is caused by
Escherichia coli, a bacterium that is often
associated with poor hygiene. Escherichia coli
thrive in dirty places which is why it is found
in vast numbers in the feces. It usually infects
the yolk sac resulting to reduced hatchability of
eggs. Some strains can even cause similar
symptoms as that seen in Pasteurella
anatipestifer infection. On the other hand,
Aspergillosis is named thus because it is caused
by a fungi called Aspergillus which grows on wet
straw or feed. It is usually acquired through
inhalation. Infected ducks usually have
difficulty of breathing and dehydration.

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If you feel you still need guidance on duck
diseases, consulting existing duck owners and
farmers will certainly be a big help. If you
would like to learn more about raising ducks
correctly, please visit:
http://www.howtoraiseducks.com

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