




































 

 

 
34 

© 2018 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

A PICTORIAL GUIDEBOOK ON POULTRY DISEASES; DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES 
AND THEIR EFFECTIVE TREATMENT   

 

 

 Aamir Nawab1  
Yasir Nawab2 

Shuyan Tang3  
Jiang Wu4 
Wenchao Liu5  
Guanghui Li6  
Mei Xiao7   
Lilong An8+  
 

 

1Post-mortem lab, Diseases diagnostic section, Poultry Research Institute 
(PRI), Rawalpindi; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, PMAS-Arid 
Agriculture University, Murree Road, Rawalpindi, Pakistan; Department of 
Livestock Productions and Management, Agricultural College, Guangdong 
Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, Guangdong, China, Haida Road, 
Mazhang District, Zhanjiang 524088, Guangdong, China 

 
2Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University, 
Murree Road, Rawalpindi, Pakistan 

 
3,4,5,6,7,8Department of Animal Science, Agricultural College, Guangdong Ocean  
University, Zhanjiang 524088, Guangdong, China  

 
                                              

 
(+ Corresponding author) 

 ABSTRACT 
 
Article History 
Received: 13 September 2018 
Revised: 19 October 2018 
Accepted: 21 November 2018 
Published: 12 December 2018 
 
 
 

Keywords 
Poultry production 
Poultry diseases  
Economic losses 
Diagnosis 
Treatment 

 
The poultry industry has gained significance all over the world due to providing 
economical, healthier food than red meat and other protein sources. Food and 
Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimated 103.5 million tons of global chicken meat 
production annually in 2012, which contributed about 34.3% to global meat production. 
Generally, poultry farming has performed a leading role in the livestock sector in some 
others regions of the world. But poultry farming system is affected by both 
environmental and disease stress. Various viral, bacterial, parasitic and fungal diseases 
affect the production performance of birds by affecting respiratory system, reproductive 
system, immune system, gut system and central nervous system which, in turn, cause 
loss of appetite, reduction of body weight, drop in egg production, air sac infection, 
coughing, sneezing, difficulty in breathing, septicemia (blood stream infection), 
paralysis of neck, wings and legs, enteritis (intestinal infection), bloody diarrhea, 
immunosuppression and higher mortality which cause huge economic losses in poultry 
industry. Therefore, there is need to control poultry diseases. Our aim was to provide a 
pictorial guidebook on poultry disease; diagnostic techniques and their effective 
treatment which may help to diagnose the viral, bacterial, parasitic and fungal infection. 
This may provide an important guideline to identify and minimize diseases before their 
incidence. 
 

Contribution/Originality: Our main objective was to provide a pictorial guidebook on poultry disease to avoid 

the production losses facing the global poultry industry. Several reports have theoretically addressed on poultry 

diseases but there is lack of sufficient data related to pictorial guidebook on avian diseases. Therefore, this study is 

one of very few studies which have documented on poultry diseases as a pictorial guideline; diagnostic techniques 

and their potential treatment. 

 

 

Animal Review 
2018 Vol. 5, No. 2, pp. 34-50 
ISSN(e): 2409-6490 
ISSN(p): 2412-3382 
DOI: 10.18488/journal.ar.2018.52.34.50 
© 2018 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

 
 
 

 
 

 

 
 
 
 

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3420-7547
https://www.doi.org/10.18488/journal.ar.2018.52.34.50


Animal Review, 2018, 5(2): 34-50 

 

 
35 

© 2018 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

1. INTRODUCTION 

Poultry plays a key role in the livelihood of millions of poor rural households associated with poultry industry 

in many developing countries [1]. But as the global population is increasing day by day this will require  70-100% 

increase in food production by 2050 [2]. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has estimated that this 

increased urbanization may demand an increase in consumption of chicken meat, eggs and animal protein which 

should grow at the highest rate [3]. Poultry can efficiently converters feed into egg and meat within a short period 

of time [4]. Poultry eggs are ranked second after cow milk in terms of nutritive value [5]. Nutritionists and 

agriculturists have decided that by developing the poultry industry we can fulfill the world population requirement 

in the incoming days [6, 7].  

On the other side, poultry birds are susceptible to several types of infectious and/or non-infectious diseases 

[8]. These diseases affect the fast growing broiler birds and laying chickens performances via decreasing feed 

intake, growth rate, weight gain, survival rate, egg production (impairment in nutrition digestion and absorption), 

higher mortality due to respiratory infection (plaques in trachea), enteritis (inflammation of intestine), bloody 

diarrhea, paralysis and prostration of the head and the neck and suppression of immune responses [5, 9, 10]. The 

above mention clinical sign cause huge production losses and enhance the production cost [11, 12]. 

Therefore, there exists a need to provide a pictorial guidebook on poultry diseases; diagnostic techniques and 

their effective treatment to avoid the production losses facing the global poultry industry. Several authors have 

discussed the theoretical knowledge on poultry diseases but there is lack of sufficient data on poultry diseases as a 

pictorial guideline; diagnostic techniques and their potential treatment. Therefore, this manual may provide the 

helpful information of diagnostic techniques to diagnose the diseases at their initial phases which can reduce the 

disease risk and improve the immune status of birds by using disease specific vaccination.  

 

2. MATERIAL AND METHODS 

2.1. Viral Disease 

2.1.1. Avian influenza (AI) 

It is caused by infection with avian influenza Type A viruses. 

 

Clinical sign; 

  
Fig-1. Free egg yolk in the body (egg yolk break brown and mix in the abdomen) 

      



Animal Review, 2018, 5(2): 34-50 

 

 
36 

© 2018 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

   
Fig-2. Plaques in the trachea 

      

Treatment: 

No treatment due to viral disease, but to avoid the secondary infection, we recommend the supportive therapy 

in drinking water. 

Syp lysovit 120mg/400 L D W (liter drinking water) 

Aminox (immunostimulent) or Soluvit E Plus  

Layers; 

150-250 gm/tonne of feed OR 5 gm/200 birds through drinking water 

Broilers; 

5 gm/50 birds through drinking water 

Tlydox; 1-2 g/4L D W 

Especially in H9 case all the flock should be buried to avoid the spreading of disease. 

 

2.2. Infectious Bronchitis (I B) 

IB is a coronavirus that causes disease in various others birds especially in chickens. 

 

Clinical sign; 

3 forms 1) Reproductive, 2) Respiratory, 3) Renal form 

 

  
Fig-1. Reproductive form salpingitis                                                  Spleen and liver enlarged 

     



Animal Review, 2018, 5(2): 34-50 

 

 
37 

© 2018 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

  
Fig-2. Salpingitis                                                                      Plaques in trachea 

      

   
Fig-3. Plaques in trachea (respiratory)                                      Inflamed kidney (renal form) 

           

Treatment: 

No treatment due to viral disease, but to avoid the secondary infection, we recommend the supportive therapy 

in drinking water 

Tylodox (tylosin and doxycycline) 1-2 g/4 L D W 

Aminox  

Layer; 150-250 gm/tonne of feed OR 5 gm/200 birds through drinking water 

Broilers; 

5 gm/50 birds through drinking water 

Tlydox; 1-2 g/4L D W 

 

2.3. Chicken Infectious Anemia (CIA) 

CIA is caused by the chicken anemia virus belong to the circoviridae family which is found worldwide.  

 

 

 

 

 

https://cn.bing.com/search?q=Chicken+anaemia+virus&filters=sid%3a6b49564b-34e2-4734-6e14-0dc5e500ee75&form=ENTLNK


Animal Review, 2018, 5(2): 34-50 

 

 
38 

© 2018 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

      Clinical sign; 

              
                     Fig-1. Haemorrhages on  proventriculus                                                      Haemorrhages on thigh muscle 

       

        
Fig-2. Haemorrhages on heart                                      Pale color bone marrow 

     

        
Fig-3. Hemorrhages on thigh                                                        Hemorrhages between proventriculus and gizzards 

  

Treatment: No treatment due to viral disease, but to avoid the secondary infection, we recommend the 

supportive therapy in drinking water 

Vit ADEK  



Animal Review, 2018, 5(2): 34-50 

 

 
39 

© 2018 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

Broilers; 

5 gm/50 birds through drinking water 

Syp Folad (herbal product) 120mg/400 L D W 

 

2.4. Fowl or Chicken Pox  

Chicken pox (Sorehead) is caused by a virus of the family Poxviridae and the genus Avipoxvirus. This is a 

woldwide disease that can be transmitted by direct or indirect contact, as well as through biting insects 

 

  Clinical sign; 

       
Fig-1. Diphtheritic form (plaques in trachea) 

 

       
Fig-2. Dry form: wart –like nodules on the skin (combs face and wattles) 

 

Treatment: No treatment due to viral disease, but to avoid the secondary infection, we recommend the 

supportive therapy in drinking water. 

Oxytetracycline 300mg/gallon D W or Teramycin 

5g iodine/ gallon D W (drinking water) 

 

2.5. Newcastle Disease (ND) 

NDV is caused by avian paramyxovirus serotype 1 (PMV-1). 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Animal Review, 2018, 5(2): 34-50 

 

 
40 

© 2018 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

     Clinical sign; 

        
                          Fig-1. Haemorrhages on proventriculus                                                                 Trccheitis 
         

       
                                           Fig-2. Caecal tonsilitis                                                                  Petechial haemorrhages and ulcer on intestine 
      

Treatment : No treatment due to viral disease, but to avoid the secondary infection, we recommend the 

supportive therapy in drinking water. 

Electrovit C plus 

Broilers: 

5 gm/50 birds through drinking water 

Syp Brofin (ibuprofin) 120 mg/400 Litter water 

Enrofloxacin 10g/100 ml DW 

 

2.6. Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD or Gumboro) 

IBD is caused by a birnavirus (infectious bursal disease virus; IBDV) that is most readily isolated from the 

bursa of Fabricius but may be isolated from other organs. It is shed in the feces and transferred from house to house 

by fomites. It is very stable and difficult to eradicate from premises. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Animal Review, 2018, 5(2): 34-50 

 

 
41 

© 2018 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

       Clinical sign; 

               
                Fig-1. Hemorrhages on thigh region                                            Bursa inflamed and reddish 
        

               
                         Fig-2. Cheasy material in Bursa                                                              Haemorrhages on thigh region 
         

Treatment: No treatment due to viral disease, but to avoid the secondary infection, we recommend the 

supportive therapy in drinking water. 

Electrovit C plus or soluvit E plus 

Syp Brofin (ibuprofin) 120mg/400 L D W 

Tylodox (tylosin + doxycycline) 1-2 g/4L D W 

 

2.7. Lymphoid Leucosis 

Lymphoid leukosis is caused by certain group of avian retroviruses. It can induce lymphoid leukosis in chickens 

are commonly called avian leukosis viruses. 

 

       Clinical sign; 

           
Fig-1. White nodules on liver surface 

          



Animal Review, 2018, 5(2): 34-50 

 

 
42 

© 2018 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

     
Fig-2. White nodules on liver surface                                           Necrotic lesion on kidney 

             

Treatment:  No treatment due to viral disease, but to avoid the secondary infection, we recommend the 

supportive therapy in drinking water. 

T.S.O (trimethoprim+sulphadiazine) Liquid 1-2 g/ 4L D W 

Syrup Hepacon-B12 (vitamin-12) 1-2g/4L D W 

Oral rehydration solution (ORS) 1-2g/4L D W 

Dextrolyte or Electrovit C plus (260,00mg Sodium Chloride, 150,00mg Potassium Chloride, 290,00mg Trisodium Citrate, 

1350,00mg Dextrose (glucose) Anhydrous) 

  

2.8. Inclusion Body Hepatitis (IBH) 

It is a disease of chickens characterized by acute mortality, often with severe anemia, caused by an adenovirus. 

 

            Clinical sign; 

     
Fig-1. Liver pale colored 

                 

      
Fig-2. Hydropericardium                                      Kidneys are enlarged with hemorrhages 

             



Animal Review, 2018, 5(2): 34-50 

 

 
43 

© 2018 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

Treatment: To avoid the secondary infection, we recommend the supportive therapy in drinking water. 

Syrup Hepacon-B12 (vitamin-12) 1-2g/4L D W 

Dextrolyte or Electrovit C plus 

Amoxi (amoxycycline) 50% 1g/1L D W 

 

3. BACTERIAL DISEASES 

3.1. Salmonellosis 

It is caused by salmonells (Salmonella Enteritidis and S.Typhimurium ). 

 

          Clinical sign; 

  
           Fig-1. Egg yolk hyperemic and abnormal ovum                                    Inflammation of the intestine 

                

     
           Fig-2. Spleen enlarged                                                                              Enlarged liver is mottled with milliary necroses 

              

Symptoms: Lethargy, diarrhea, conjunctivitis, liver, spleen, and kidney enlarged.  

Treatment; 

To avoid the secondary infection, we recommend the specific and supportive therapy in drinking water. 

Gentamycin: Dosage: .01 mg to one gram of body weight intramuscularly once daily. Or 25 mg in 120 ml of 

drinking water. 

Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole Suspension: Dosage .002 ml to one gram of body weight orally twice daily. 

Sodium Sulfachiorpridazine Powder: Dosage ¼ tea spoon in 120 ml drinking water. 

 

 



Animal Review, 2018, 5(2): 34-50 

 

 
44 

© 2018 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

3.2. Chronic Respiratory Disease (CRD) 

This Infection is caused by Mycoplasma gallisepticum is associated with slow onset, chronic respiratory disease in 

chickens and others birds. 

 

      Clinical sign; 

   
Fig-1. Cloudy air sac                                           Cloudy air sac 

        

    
Fig-2. Cloudy air sac                                            Tracheitis 

             

Treatment: To avoid the secondary infection, we recommend the specific and supportive therapy in drinking 

water. 

T.S.O (trimethoprim+sulphadiazine) Liquid 1-2 g/ 4L D W 

Oral rehydration solution (ORS) 1-2g/4L D W 

Dextrolyte 1g/2L D W 

 

3.3. Colibacillosis (E-coli) 

Colibacillosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Escherichia coli (also known simply as E. coli), 

and is seen in poultry flocks worldwide. E. coli can cause an infection under the skin, known as cellulitis, and is 

commonly associated with respiratory disease in birds, which in severe cases leads to septicemia and death.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Animal Review, 2018, 5(2): 34-50 

 

 
45 

© 2018 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

    Clinical sign; 

  
Fig-1. Serous coats (peritoneum)                       Serofibrinous polyserositis on liver 

              

  
Fig-2. Serous coats on pericardium                    Tracheitis 

 

Treatment: To avoid the secondary infection, we recommend the specific and supportive therapy in drinking 

water. 

Hepasil or Soluvit E plus  

Layer; 

5 gm/200 birds through drinking water 

Broilers; 

5 gm/50 birds through drinking water 

Doxycol (doxycycline) 100 g powder per 25-50 litres drinking water. 

 

3.4. Spirochetosis 

Avian intestinal spirochetosis (AIS) is an enteric disease that affects all bird species. AIS is a potentially 

zoonotic disease that is caused by infection with spirochete bacteria of the genus Brachyspira. The bacteria colonize 

in the chicken's intestines (specifically in the cecum and rectum) and disturb the digestion. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Animal Review, 2018, 5(2): 34-50 

 

 
46 

© 2018 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

           Clinical sign; 

   
                                   Fig-1. Inflamed liver and spleen                                                                     Inflamed caeca 

 

Treatment: To avoid the secondary infection, we recommend the specific and supportive therapy in drinking 

water. 

Oxytetracycline 1g/4L D W 

T.S.O (trimethoprim+sulphadiazine) Liquid 1-2 g/ 4L D W 

 

4. PARASITIC AND PARASITIC DISEASES 

4.1. Coccidiosis 

Coccidiosis is caused by protozoa of the phylum Apicomplexa, family Eimeriidae. In poultry, most species 

belong to the genus Eimeria and infect various sites in the intestine 

 

Clinical sign; 

      
Fig-1. Dark and blood mixed feces 

                      

 
Fig-2. Dark and blood mixed feces 

                                                                    



Animal Review, 2018, 5(2): 34-50 

 

 
47 

© 2018 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

Treatment: To avoid the secondary infection, we recommend the specific and supportive therapy in drinking 

water. 

Doxycel 1g/2L D W  

Dextrolyte 1g/1L D W  

T.S.O (trimethoprim+sulphadiazine) Liquid 1-2 g/ 4L D W 

 

4.2. Nematode (Round Worm) 

Roundworms (nematodes) are a type of parasite that lives freely in the chicken's intestine, feeding off of the 

partially digested intestinal contents. Ascaridia galli is an important species of roundworms found in chickens. 

 

Clinical sign; 

  
Fig-1. Round worm in intestine 

        

Treatment:  

To avoid the secondary infection, we recommend the specific and supportive therapy in drinking water.  

Albendazole (dewormer) or Systamix in drinking water 

 

5. FUNGAL DISEASES 

5.1. Aspergillosis 

Aspergillosis is caused by Aspergillus, a common mold (a type of fungus). It is an infectious fungal disease in 

poultry which affect the birds respiratory system. The disease is contracted by inhalation when there is a high spore 

count in the air. 

 

     Clinical sign; 

   
Fig-1. Lesions (yellow or gray nodules and/or plaques in the lungs and on air sac. 

                  

 



Animal Review, 2018, 5(2): 34-50 

 

 
48 

© 2018 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

Symptoms: respiratory distress, gasping, breathing. 

Prevention: Minimize stress and overcrowding. Provide proper ventilation 

Treatment: To avoid the secondary infection, we recommend the specific and supportive therapy in drinking water. 

Nilstate (nystatin) powder 1ml/2L D W (drinking water) 

Soluvit E plus  

Layer; 

5 gm/200 birds through drinking water 

Broilers; 

5 gm/50 birds through drinking water 

Tlydox; 1-2 g/4L D W 

 

6. ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS PROBLEMS 

6.1. Ascites 

Ascites is a disease of broiler chickens occurring worldwide but especially at high altitude. The disease has a 

complex etiology and is predisposed by reduced ventilation, high altitude, and respiratory disease. 

 

        Clinical sign; 

      
Fig-1. Fluid in the abdomin 

           

Treatment:  To avoid the secondary infection, we recommend the specific and supportive therapy in drinking 

water. 

BIO-BANTOX PLUS or Oligotox  or A T B ( authentic toxin binder) 1 kg/ton of feed.  

Improve ventilation 

 

6.2. Heat Stress and/or Toxicity 

There is no specific etiology. But samples should be collected for potential analysis in cases of suspected 

toxicities include dead or recently euthanized birds that showed clinical signs, 2 lb (1 kg) of the feed available when 

the birds were showing clinical signs, and 500 mL of drinking water. For the safety of workers as well as poultry, 

the grower should have access to material safety data sheets for each chemical used on the premises. Carcasses 

should be refrigerated as soon as possible for examination by the veterinarian or laboratory diagnostician.  

 

 

 

 

 



Animal Review, 2018, 5(2): 34-50 

 

 
49 

© 2018 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

Clinical sign; 

   
Fig-1. Kidney enlarged and emaciated and pale color muscle. 

 

Treatment: To avoid the secondary infection, we recommend the specific and supportive therapy in drinking 

water. 

Glucose+ Tab Disperin+ Tylodox 1-2g/4L D W 

 

7. CONCLUSION 

The poultry industry provides healthier food than red meat and other protein sources. Food and Agriculture 

Organization (FAO) has estimated that chicken meat contribute about 34.3% to global meat production. But several 

common and important diseases are threat to poultry industry which can affect the respiratory, reproductive, gut 

and immune systems of birds and cause huge production losses. Therefore, this picture guidebook on poultry 

diseases has been assembled for veterinary medical students, extension workers and farmers to diagnose the 

diseases correctly and to minimize them by using specific disease vaccination. This manual may provide important 

clinical information to diagnose the diseases depending on their specific sign that can reduce the economic losses in 

the poultry industry.  

 

Funding: This study received no specific financial support.    
Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests.  
Contributors/Acknowledgement: All authors contributed equally to the conception and design of the 
study. 

 

REFERENCES 

[1] F. K. R. Stino and F. S. Nassar, Poultry production in the middle East and African States: Situation, future and strategies. 

Giza 21613, Egypt: Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, 2012. 

[2] A. Nawab, I. Fahar, L. Guanghui, K. Barbara, W. Jiang, and L. Wenchao, "Heat stress in poultry production: 

Mitigation strategies to overcome the future challenges facing the global poultry industry," Journal of Thermal Biology 

vol. 78, pp. 131–39, 2018.Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtherbio.2018.08.010. 

[3] FAO, FAO statistical pocketbook world food and agriculture. Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United 

Nations, 2015. 

[4] I. Leinonen, A. Williams, and I. Kyriazakis, "The effects of welfare-enhancing system changes on the environmental 

impacts of broiler and egg production," Poultry Science, vol. 93, pp. 256-266, 2014.Available at: 

https://doi.org/10.3382/ps.2013-03252. 

[5] G. B. Adesiji and S. T. Baba, "Effects of climate change on poultry production in Ondo State, Nigeria," Russian Journal 

of Agricultural and Socio-Economic Sciences, vol. 2, pp. 55–60, 2010. 



Animal Review, 2018, 5(2): 34-50 

 

 
50 

© 2018 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

[6] FAO, "Livestock country reviews, Poultry Sector Mozambique. FAO Animal Production and Health Livestock 

Country Reviews. No. 5. Rome," 2013. 

[7] H. K. Sebho, "Exotic chicken status, production performance and constraints in Ethiopia: A review," Asian Journal of 

Poultry Science, vol. 10, pp. 30-39, 2016.Available at: https://doi.org/10.3923/ajpsaj.2016.30.39. 

[8] J. Roberts, R. Souillard, and J. Bertin, "Avian diseases which affect egg production and quality," ed: In Book of  

Improving the Safety and Quality of Eggs and Egg Products: Egg Chemistry, Production and Consumption, 

Woodhead Publishing Series in Food Science, Technology and Nutrition, 2011, pp. 376–393. 

[9] H. Guis, C. Caminade, C. Calvete, A. P. Morse, A. Tran, and M. Baylis, "Modelling the effects of past and future 

climate on the risk of bluetongue emergence in Europe," Journal of the Royal Society Interface, vol. 9, pp. 339-350, 

2012.Available at: https://doi.org/10.1098/rsif.2011.0255. 

[10] É. Gocsik, H. Kortes, A. O. Lansink, and H. Saatkamp, "Effects of different broiler production systems on health care 

costs in the Netherlands," Poultry Science, vol. 93, pp. 1301-1317, 2014.Available at: https://doi.org/10.3382/ps.2013-

03614. 

[11] T. E. Abbas, "Poultry welfare in developed and developing countries," Animal and VeterinarySciences, vol. 2, pp. 1–4, 

2014.Available at: 10.11648/j.avs.20140201.11. 

[12] M. Pattison, P. F. McMullin, J. M. Bradbury, and D. J. Alexander, Poultry diseases, 6th ed. Philadelphia: Pennsylvania, 

USA, 2008. 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Views and opinions expressed in this article are the views and opinions of the author(s), Animal Review shall not be responsible or answerable for any loss, 
damage or liability etc. caused in relation to/arising out of the use of the content. 

 


