Disease sheet · NEXTEKCI School
Colibacillosis
E. coli infection · omphalitis (navel infection)
An infection caused by a bacterium found everywhere in the environment and in the birds’ gut. It takes advantage of a poor start, dirty water, damp litter or another respiratory disease. In chicks it often affects the navel; later, the respiratory tract.
Type
bacterium
Severity
moderate
Who is affected
All poultry: broilers, coloured chickens, pullets and layers.
Most affected age
All ages; first days (navel) and during growth (respiratory form).
Signs to look for
- •Chicks with a poorly closed, red or swollen navel, swollen abdomen.
- •Chicks huddled under the heat source, not eating.
- •Later: flock breathing badly, rattling.
- •Dull birds, ruffled feathers, diarrhoea.
- •Mortality that drags on over time.
How it spreads
- •Bacterium already present in the environment: it becomes dangerous when conditions deteriorate.
- •Soiled drinking water, dirty drinkers, water lines never cleaned.
- •Damp litter, ammonia and dust.
- •Following another disease (bronchitis, mycoplasmosis, Gumboro).
Not to be confused with
- •Salmonellosis
- •Mycoplasmosis
- •Aspergillosis (in chicks)
- •Start-up problems (cold, dehydration)
Prevention
- •Careful start: house heated and prepared before arrival, clean water straight away.
- •Clean drinking water; drinkers cleaned daily; tank and water lines cleaned between flocks.
- •Dry litter, good ventilation, no ammonia.
- •Cleaning, disinfection and downtime.
What to do if you suspect it
- •Call the vet in your area: any treatment is given only on their prescription.
- •Check the water, drinkers, temperature and litter.
- •Remove weak chicks and record their number.
- •Respect the withdrawal period if a treatment is prescribed.
This sheet helps you recognise the disease and react quickly. It does not replace the veterinarian: only they can diagnose and prescribe a treatment. Worried about your flock? Write to us on WhatsApp at +225 05 44 83 27 79.