VetInsight Pakistan

Introduction ​Infectious Laryngotracheitis (ILT) is a viral respiratory infection of chickens caused by the Gallid alphaherpesvirus 1 . The infection is characterized by severe breathing difficulties in infected birds. For poultry stakeholders, the outbreak of this disease in a farm means not only the death of birds but also the contamination of the environment. ​Transmission and Latency ​The mode of transmission of the virus: The virus is spread through respiratory secretions/droplets. ​The "Carrier" Problem: One of the most unique features of this virus is that recovered birds can act as subclinical carriers . The virus remains "hidden" in the nervous system of recovered birds. During stressful periods, the virus re-emerges in these birds, infecting other healthy flocks of birds. ​The "Pump-Handle" Breathing: The most evident signs of the infection: ​Gasping & Dyspnea: The infected birds stretch their necks forward and upward to take in air. ​Blood-S...

https://vetinsightpak.blogspot.com/2026/03/infectious-bursal-disease-ibd-in.html  1. Introduction In the first week of life, a chick is like to shape its final market weight. In this period, the chick grows from having an unripe immune system and poor thermoregulation into a strong and healthy bird. 2. Pre-Placement Preparation Cleaning and Disinfection:  Remove the pests from the living area using Virkon or Formalin ? Pre-heating:  Set the temperature of the shed to 32-34°C before the chickePre-heating 3. The Five Pillars of Brooding Temperature:  Chicks do not have the ability to control their body temperature. If they are very close to the heater, it means the temperature is low. If they are away from the heater, it means the temperature is high. Age of Chicks (Days) Target Shed Temperature (°C) Target Shed Temperature (°F) Target Relative Humidity (%) Day 0 - 3 33.0 – 34.0 °C 91.4 – 93.2 °F 60 – 70% Day 4 - 7 31.0 – 32.0 °C ...

 Introduction Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD), also known as Gumboro Disease , is a highly transmissible viral infection that mainly affects young chickens. It is brought about by the Infectious Bursal Disease Virus (IBDV), which belongs to the Birnaviridae family . IBD, which is a virulent issue for poultry farmers around the world, was documented to suppress the immune system extremely badly. This would result in secondary infections and higher mortality rates. The Target: Bursa of Fabricius The virus has a special preference for the Bursa of Fabricius . It is a primary lymphoid organ in birds that are still young. This organ is responsible for the B-lymphocyte development and production of immune cells. Immune Suppression:  By wiping out the bursa, the virus jeopardizes the chicken's normal function to produce antibodies. Vaccine Failure:  Birds infected with IBD, in general, are not able to compensate for other necessary vaccines such as Newcastle Disease (ND) or Avia...

 Introduction Arguably, coccidiosis is the most economically important parasitic disease in the poultry industry worldwide. It is caused by protozoa belonging to the Eimeria group and attacks the intestinal tract. It results in malabsorption, weight loss, and high mortality rates. For a DVM professional, coccidiosis control is not just about treatment; it’s all about " Gut Integrity . The Pathogen: Eimeria Species Different species of Eimeria affect different parts of the avian gut: ​ E. tenella : Affects the ceca (causing bloody droppings ). ​E. necatrix: Affects the mid-small intestine. ​E. acervulina: Affects the upper small intestine. Clinical Manifestations Farmers often miss the early signs, but a clinical eye should look for: ​Bloody Droppings :  The most common sign of E. tenella. ​Ruffled Feathers & Pallor:  Birds look "hunched up" and pale due to blood loss (anemia). ​Poor FCR (Feed Conversion Ratio) :  Birds eat but do not gain weight because their ...

 Introduction One of the most devastating diseases affecting the poultry industry worldwide in terms of loss due to the virulent strains of Avian Orthoavulavirus-1 , formerly known as Paramyxovirus-1 , is Newcastle Disease (ND). In countries such as Pakistan, the disease is known as " Rani Khet ." Outbreaks of ND can result in as much as 100% mortality in non-immunized flocks. As a DVM professional, it is important for me to understand the nuances of the strategic prevention of this disease. Clinical Manifestations (Pathogenesis) ND has different clinical presentations depending on the type of tropism associated with the virus, which could be either Viscerotropic or Neurotropic .  clinical signs associated with ND are: Respiratory Distress: Open-mouth breathing, gasping, and rales. Neurological Impairment: Twisted necks ( Torticollis ), paralysis of wings or legs, and circling. Gastrointestinal Signs: Profuse, bright greenish watery diarrhea. Production Drop: A sharp drop i...

 Introduction Backyard poultry farming is the backbone of the rural economy in Pakistan. This is an important source of protein and livelihood for millions of people. However, the recurring cases of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) create a critical and complex risk to the health of the birds and the public. As a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) student, it has been noted that while large-scale poultry farming is protected through strict biosecurity measures, backyard farming is not. This is a critical weakness in the ability to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, where the Avian Influenza virus not only threatens the health of the birds but may also have the potential to spread to humans. Understanding the Virus and Its Transmission Avian Influenza is caused by Type A influenza viruses. These viruses are classified into different strains based on the combination of two antigens present on the surface of the viruses. These antigens are Hemagglutinin (H) and Neuraminidase (N). S...