July2013_NEWS FROM DAYBORO VET SURGERY
Finally the day has arrived!! Our open day is planned for Sunday 14 July 2013. We have lots of fun and activities planned included pony rides and a jumping castle for the littlies, tours of the clinic and much, much more!! Please come and join the celebration.
UQ Vet Dayboro
125 McKenzie Street, DAYBORO
Ph 3425 1544
UQ Vet Dayboro
125 McKenzie Street, DAYBORO
Ph 3425 1544
Dayboro (and surrounding suburbs) offers its residents that perfect lifestyle opportunity, a part of which for many residents, is the opportunity to own animals. Chickens grace many of our yards, whether they are kept for eggs, meat, dual purpose or perhaps just as pets, they make a wonderful addition to the family farm.
Over the last month we have seen and treated a number of chickens for coccidiosis. Coccidia is a protozoan disease which affects the bird’s intestinal tract. There are a number of different types of coccidia, each affecting a different section of the intestines.
Coccidiosis generally affects younger birds, those in crowded, moist environmental conditions. Coccidiosis may occur secondary to an underlying condition the bird may have. The signs of coccidia can include: lethargy and depression, ‘fluffed up’ , inappetance, dehydration, weight loss and poor body condition, reduced egg production, diarrhoea/watery droppings (which may or may not appear to have blood in them) and death.
Regular cleaning of the hen house and removal of droppings can reduce the burden. Feed should be kept off the ground in dishes that are cleaned daily. Water should be provided in clean bowls; the water changed daily. Fresh food (vegetables) is recommended, however uneaten and soiled food should be removed at the end of each day.
Moist soil or areas which hold water should be allowed to dry out or filled in to reduce potential sources of reinfestation as water which holds coccidia can allow the eggs to spread or provide an area where the bird can re-ingest the eggs.
Most birds will have some eggs or degree of infection. Some birds may not show clinical signs. Infection is via the faecal-oral route (i.e. The eggs are in the droppings which then contaminate food sources the bird then ingests).
Birds displaying signs of coccidiosis may require fluid therapy (for rehydration), anticoccidial medication and changes to the bird’s lifestyle (improve hygiene, reduce stress, move birds to a ‘clean’ area on a regular basis).
A faecal egg count can be performed to assess the bird’s worm and protozoal burden. If there are high numbers of coccidia and the birds are displaying signs of infection, then treatment can be prescribed. Anticoccidial medication is not the same as ‘bird wormer’. Regular worming of the birds should be carried out. Faecal egg counts can be performed here at UQ Vet Dayboro.
Over the last month we have seen and treated a number of chickens for coccidiosis. Coccidia is a protozoan disease which affects the bird’s intestinal tract. There are a number of different types of coccidia, each affecting a different section of the intestines.
Coccidiosis generally affects younger birds, those in crowded, moist environmental conditions. Coccidiosis may occur secondary to an underlying condition the bird may have. The signs of coccidia can include: lethargy and depression, ‘fluffed up’ , inappetance, dehydration, weight loss and poor body condition, reduced egg production, diarrhoea/watery droppings (which may or may not appear to have blood in them) and death.
Regular cleaning of the hen house and removal of droppings can reduce the burden. Feed should be kept off the ground in dishes that are cleaned daily. Water should be provided in clean bowls; the water changed daily. Fresh food (vegetables) is recommended, however uneaten and soiled food should be removed at the end of each day.
Moist soil or areas which hold water should be allowed to dry out or filled in to reduce potential sources of reinfestation as water which holds coccidia can allow the eggs to spread or provide an area where the bird can re-ingest the eggs.
Most birds will have some eggs or degree of infection. Some birds may not show clinical signs. Infection is via the faecal-oral route (i.e. The eggs are in the droppings which then contaminate food sources the bird then ingests).
Birds displaying signs of coccidiosis may require fluid therapy (for rehydration), anticoccidial medication and changes to the bird’s lifestyle (improve hygiene, reduce stress, move birds to a ‘clean’ area on a regular basis).
A faecal egg count can be performed to assess the bird’s worm and protozoal burden. If there are high numbers of coccidia and the birds are displaying signs of infection, then treatment can be prescribed. Anticoccidial medication is not the same as ‘bird wormer’. Regular worming of the birds should be carried out. Faecal egg counts can be performed here at UQ Vet Dayboro.
