MPF Blog

Chronic Respiratory Disease (CRD).

CRD is one of the most common causes of disease in backyard fowls mostly now that we are in the harmattan and everywhere seems dusty with dry air all over.

Chronic respiratory disease (CRD) occurs when chickens and turkeys that are infected with Mycoplasma gallisepticum are stressed.

The bacteria then causes major damage to the bird's respiratory system.

Mycoplasma gallisepticum spreads via eggs, airborne transmission and indirect or mechanical routes such as introducing infected birds to an existing flock, or via bird transport containers.

M. Gallisepticum can reside in a flock with few indications of its presence until the flock or individuals in it are stressed sufficiently to show signs of respiratory disease.

SIGNS OF CRD.

The signs of CRD are sniffling, sneezing, coughing and other signs of respiratory distress. When suspected, observe the birds from a distance to get a good idea of the symptoms as birds often do not display signs of disease once caught.

Sometimes CRD slowly spreads through the flock causing poor production, re****ed growth and wet noses.

In these cases there are usually few mortalities unless the underlying stressors increase.

Similar Diseases

Other diseases that have similar clinical signs like CRD are Coryza, Infectious bronchitis, Infectious laryngotracheitis and Fowl cholera.

Stay tuned, tomorrow we will discuss about the preventive measures and also how CRD can be treated. 👋🏼🙂