Poultry is susceptible to various infectious diseases. Infection often occurs due to poor sanitary conditions in the poultry house or untimely vaccination of the livestock. One of the dangerous diseases in turkeys is coccidiosis. The infection actively spreads among turkey poults up to three weeks of age. If a farmer manages to identify the symptoms of coccidiosis in turkeys and provide timely treatment, then there is a chance to save the entire livestock.
Biology of the parasite
The causative agents of the disease are protozoa of the coccidia class.Pets become infected after drinking stale water or eating food from dirty feeders. In turkeys, microorganisms multiply mainly in the small intestine. The first symptoms become noticeable a week after infection.
Parasites destroy the gastrointestinal tract. This subsequently leads to the death of the chicks. A turkey cannot become infected from another bird; each species has its own coccidiosis parasite. Microorganisms multiply rapidly at high temperatures and humidity. Birds more often suffer from the disease in the spring and autumn.
Causes and symptoms
An invasive disease is easier to prevent than to treat. As preventive measures, the farmer monitors the condition of the poultry house, changes the litter, and provides comfortable living conditions. The causes of the spread of the disease can be:
- air temperature in the room that does not meet the requirements, hypothermia of the bird;
- improperly selected diet, which reduces the immunity of young animals;
- insufficient living space in the poultry house;
- non-compliance with sanitary rules, dirty drinking bowls and feeders, stale bedding;
- other external factors.
In order to promptly identify signs of disease in turkeys, the farmer must know the symptoms of its appearance. The incubation period passes almost unnoticed.
The main symptoms include:
- refusal of turkey poults to eat, drinking large amounts of water;
- apathy, lethargy;
- eyes half closed;
- the plumage falls off and becomes ruffled;
- diarrhea with bloody discharge.
In adult turkeys, the disease can be practically asymptomatic. In chicks the signs are more pronounced.
Diagnostic methods
The diagnosis occurs after collecting anamnesis and symptomatic picture. When in doubt, diagnosis and treatment will help. Turkey poults are prescribed coccidiostats, and when the chicks’ condition improves, eimeriosis is diagnosed. Drugs from the sulfinamide group prevent the development of infection. The veterinarian prescribes specific medications depending on the bird’s condition and age. In case of mass disease, water-soluble drugs are used.
Features of treatment of coccidiosis in turkey poults
If a dangerous disease is detected, infected turkey poults are separated from other birds in a separate room. Sick chicks are prescribed antibiotics. The drugs are added to the feed, into the drinking bowl, and administered intramuscularly. If the chicks' condition improves, the farmer continues treatment anyway.
Veterinarians prescribe medications:
- "Bycox"
- "Monlar";
- "Amproline";
- "Solikoks";
- "Diakoks" and others.
On the farm, birds have not been given the same drug for more than two years, as they develop an addiction to the action of the main components.
Post-treatment period
After treatment, turkeys develop dysbacteriosis, so they require a rehabilitation course. During this period, vitamin supplements and probiotics are introduced into the diet of birds. After a course of antibiotics, turkeys' liver also suffers.
To fully restore the body, birds are prescribed medications: Vetom, Colibacterin, Bifitrilak.
Disposal of dead birds
The meat of dead turkeys is prohibited for consumption. Birds that die from disease are destroyed by burning. The poultry house in which the infected individuals stayed is disinfected with special means. It is not recommended to populate the enclosure with new livestock for several weeks.
Prevention measures
To prevent the development of the disease, the poultry farmer must regularly carry out hygiene procedures in the place where turkeys are kept, and follow the general rules for breeding pets:
- regularly wash feeders and drinking bowls;
- promptly change the bedding to fresh hay;
- disinfect the premises;
- burn cells;
- carefully select food and follow the diet;
- change water daily;
- constantly monitor the behavior and external condition of turkeys;
- vaccinate birds according to schedule;
- maintain optimal temperature and humidity in the turkey poultry.
In warm, rainy weather, it is not recommended to graze turkeys, as this is the most favorable time for the proliferation of harmful microorganisms. To raise a healthy turkey population, it is enough to follow preventive measures and hygiene standards when raising poultry in domestic and industrial farming. Then the farmer will receive high-quality meat and eggs.
