Health Corner

Diagnosing Nervous Symptoms
in your flock
 
Here is a brief outline of Nervous Symptoms that you may see in your flock and what the probable diagnosis might be.  To confirm these diseases, have a veterinarian run the specific tests for the disease.  (based on a diagram from Avian Diseases, 2006 by T.N. Tully, Jnr, M.P.C. Lawton, and G.M. Dorrestein, Butterworth Heinemann.
  1. Torticollis in one or more birds; Runny droppings
    ►PARAMYXOVIRUS
           ♦ Vaccinate flock
  2. Torticollis in one or more birds; some birds in flock showing weight loss, lowered appetite and either lameness or the inability to fly
    ►SALMONELLA
           ♦Treat with antibiotic
  3. Torticolis or bad coordination in one bird; no other signs of sickness in the loft
    ►TRAUMA
           ♦Examine injured bird, isolate in small cage,treat if necessary
  4. Paralysis in female birds during breeding season
    ►HYPOCALCAEMIA
           ♦Be sure grit and a calcium source is available always
  5. Paralysis or leaning on forehead while trying to stand up.  Other birds may show green slimy droppings, weight loss, lameness or the inability to fly.
    ►STREPTOCOCCIS
                  ♦Treat with antibiotic
  6. Other possible causes of nervous symptoms include poisoning.  Follow dosages carefully if giving medicines.
Note:  Torticollis is a twisting of the neck into an abnormal position.  This will become permanent if not treated immediately.