Disease sheet · NEXTEKCI School
Infectious bronchitis
IB
A highly contagious viral respiratory disease that spreads quickly through the whole house. In layers, it causes a drop in laying and damages egg quality. It also opens the door to bacterial infections.
Type
virus
Severity
serious
Who is affected
Broilers, coloured chickens, pullets and layers.
Most affected age
All ages; more serious in young chicks and in laying hens.
Signs to look for
- •Sneezing, rattling, coughing, especially audible at night.
- •Watery eyes, runny nose.
- •Birds huddling together and eating less.
- •Rapid spread to the whole flock within a few days.
- •In layers: drop in laying, thin, rough or misshapen shells, watery albumen.
How it spreads
- •Through the air, from bird to bird, very quickly.
- •Contaminated dust, equipment, crates and clothing.
- •Neighbouring farms and poultry brought in from outside.
Not to be confused with
- •Newcastle disease
- •Mycoplasmosis
- •Infectious coryza
- •Irritation from ammonia and dust
Prevention
- •Vaccination following the protocol of the vet in your area.
- •Good house environment: air flowing through the house, dry litter, no ammonia at bird level.
- •Curtains closed at night when the temperature drops, especially during the Harmattan.
- •Correct stocking density, single-age flock, biosecurity at the entrance.
What to do if you suspect it
- •Call the vet in your area: they distinguish bronchitis from other respiratory diseases.
- •Correct the environment straight away: litter, ventilation, cold draughts at night.
- •Listen at night and film with sound for the vet.
- •Add nothing to the water without the vet’s advice.
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.