Colibacillosis is a bacterial disease that affects poultry. It is one of the most common diseases worldwide and subsequently is associated with a large economic cost to farmers.
The bacteria that causes Colibacillosis is Escherichia coli, which is found in the intestines of animals and humans. The bacteria can also be found in the faeces of infected animals making it easy to spread if stringent biosecurity and cleansing regimes are not adhered to.
Colibacillosis can cause a number of serious problems in poultry, including decreased egg production, increased mortality, and reduced weight gain. In addition, Colibacillosis can also affect the farmer’s business by causing contaminated meat and eggs to be rejected by processors.
The bacteria is moderately resistant in a normal environment but is susceptible to disinfectants and temperatures of 80 degrees celsius. The mortality rate is between 5 and 20 percent.
What are the origins of Colibacillosis?
The history of Colibacillosis is relatively short, as the disease was first recorded in 1929 in the United States. However, within this time, the disease has caused significant problems for poultry farmers and businesses all over the world.
What are the symptoms of Colibacillosis?
The symptoms of Colibacillosis can vary depending on the age and health of the bird. In young birds, the disease can cause a number of serious problems, including decreased egg production, increased mortality, and reduced weight gain, whilst the general symptoms for poultry being respiratory distress, reduced appetite and poor growth.
This bacteria can cause serious health problems in both humans and animals, including diarrhoea, vomiting, and blood poisoning and it is important to take steps to prevent the spread of this disease.
How to protect your poultry from Colibacillosis
There are a number of things that farmers can do to prevent the disease from infecting their poultry. One step is to practice good biosecurity measures on your farm. These measures are not limited, but can include ensuring that the birds have access to clean water, providing them with clean bedding, and keeping their housing clean. Farmers should also avoid overcrowding their poultry, as this can increase the spread of the disease.
If your poultry are infected, it is important to seek veterinary treatment as soon as possible. Treatment usually involves the use of antibiotics, which can be administered orally or through injections.
Partnering with Livetec to protect your poultry
Livetec are experts in biosecurity and livestock protection, and can help protect your poultry from Colibacillosis.
Our extensive range of biosecurity services and plans are designed to help farmers minimise the risk of their poultry being infected with this disease.
To find out how the Livetec team can help you protect your animals from a disease incursion, please contact us today.