In broiler poultry farming, early detection and prevention of disease is critical because young chicks (day-old to 3 weeks) are very vulnerable. Here are some common early-age diseases in broiler farms and what to watch for:

🔹 Common Early Diseases in Broiler Chicks:

1. Omphalitis (Yolk Sac Infection)

   • Age: 0–7 days

   • Cause: Poor hatchery hygiene, unhealed navel, bacterial infection (E. coli, Staphylococcus, Proteus).

   • Signs: Swollen abdomen, unabsorbed yolk, weakness, chicks die suddenly.

2. Colibacillosis (E. coli infection)

   • Age: Any age, often early

   • Cause: Poor hygiene, contaminated feed/water, poor ventilation.

   • Signs: Depression, respiratory distress, diarrhea, high early mortality.

3. Coccidiosis (can occur from 2–3 weeks onward)

   • Cause: Protozoa (Eimeria species), linked to wet litter.

   • Signs: Bloody or watery diarrhea, ruffled feathers, reduced feed intake, poor weight gain.

4. Infectious Bursal Disease (Gumboro)

   • Age: 2–6 weeks

   • Signs: Sudden depression, white watery diarrhea, vent soiling, mortality spikes.

5. Newcastle Disease

   • Age: Any age, often severe in young birds if not vaccinated.

   • Signs: Respiratory distress, nervous signs (twisted neck), sudden high mortality.

6. Mycoplasmosis (CRD – Chronic Respiratory Disease)

   • Age: Early if infected from hatchery

   • Signs: Coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, slow growth.

🔹 Key Prevention Measures:

✅ Brooding management: Maintain proper temperature (32–34°C in 1st week, reduce gradually).
✅ Strict hygiene: Clean, disinfect houses before placement; use quality litter.
✅ Good hatchery chicks: Buy from reliable hatcheries with vaccination programs.
✅ Vaccination program: Commonly against Newcastle, Gumboro, sometimes Marek’s.
✅ Clean feed & water: Use medicated starter feed (often includes anticoccidials).
✅ Biosecurity: Control visitors, rodents, and wild birds.

Dr. Nakkash Ahmad

RSM Noors pharmaceutical

Common Early Diseases in Broiler Chicks

What are early chick diseases?

Early broiler chicks can suffer from diseases like coccidiosis, omphalitis, and respiratory infections affecting growth and survival.

How to identify symptoms?

Look for signs such as lethargy, diarrhea, swollen navels, and labored breathing to detect common chick diseases early.

How to prevent diseases?

Maintain clean brooding areas, provide balanced nutrition, ensure proper ventilation, and vaccinate chicks to reduce disease risks effectively.

What treatments are available?

Use appropriate antibiotics, antiparasitic medications, and supportive care as recommended by a veterinarian for infected chicks.

Regularly update disease data based on latest research and farm observations to keep prevention and treatment strategies effective.

Common Questions

How often update disease info?

Dr. Nakkash Ahmad

RSM Noors Pharmaceutical