Top Diseases in Backyard Chickens 2025 🐔 | Vet Guide by Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

Backyard chickens are joyful companions—but they’re also susceptible to a variety of diseases. As a veterinarian, I emphasize the importance of early recognition, rapid intervention, and prevention. This 2025 guide covers respiratory, digestive, skin, egg-related, and parasitic conditions in backyard flocks, with vet‑backed advice on treatment, prevention, and when to seek professional care.

1. 🫁 Respiratory Diseases

1.1 Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG)

• Signs: Sneezing, nasal discharge, swollen sinuses, coughing, reduced egg production.
• Treatment: Tetracycline or tylosin in water for 7–14 days; may require repeated cycles.
• Prevention: Strict biosecurity, quarantine, MG vaccine.

1.2 Infectious Bronchitis (IBV)

• Signs: Coughing, gasping, egg drop, watery eyes or long, twisted shells.
• Treatment: Supportive care—steam therapy, poultry-safe electrolytes, antibiotics for secondary infections.
• Prevention: Vaccination (spray or drinking water), minimize barn stress.

1.3 Infectious Laryngotracheitis (ILT)

• Signs: Bloody mucus, open-mouthed breathing, coughing, sneezing.
• Treatment: Supportive care, warm humid environment, secondary bacterial infection treatment.
• Prevention: Vaccination and diligent disinfection of equipment.

1.4 Avian Influenza / Newcastle Disease

• Signs: Severe respiratory distress – gasping, swelling, neurological signs.
• Treatment: Typically urgent culling under official guidelines.
• Prevention: Nationwide reporting, excellent biosecurity, avoid wild bird contact.

2. 🍗 Digestive Tract Conditions

2.1 Coccidiosis

• Signs: Bloody diarrhea, lethargy, weight loss, pale comb.
• Treatment: Amprolium or sulfa antibiotics in water; strict cleaning and rest of pens.
• Prevention: Litter management, Cocci-vaccination, rotation of dewormers.

2.2 Worms & Parasitic Gastroparesis

• Signs: Poor weight gain, soft or undigested droppings, weakness.
• Treatment: Fenbendazole or levamisole; follow-up fecal exam.
• Prevention: Clean foraging area, pasture rotation, routine deworming.

2.3 Sour Crop / Candida Infections

• Signs: Swollen doughy crop, white plaques, regurgitation.
• Treatment: Nystatin, fluconazole, crop flushes + probiotic feeding.
• Prevention: Fresh feed, crop health monitoring, avoid damp/wet feed.

3. 🧴 Peep & Skin Issues

3.1 Fowlpox

• Signs: Wart-like lesions around comb, wattles, dry scabs; wet form affects throat.
• Treatment: Supportive care, topical betadine, antibiotics for secondary infections.
• Prevention: Vaccination and mosquito control.

3.2 Mite & Lice Infestations

• Signs: Feather damage, itching, anemia, scaly legs.
• Treatment: Feed-through permethrin, poultry dust, wipe perches/cages.
• Prevention: Rotten wood removal, routine inspections, treat new acquisitions.

3.3 Bumblefoot (Pododermatitis)

• Signs: Swollen red footpad, limping, pus in severe cases.
• Treatment: Soak, surgical debridement for abscess, oral antibiotics.
• Prevention: Sandpaper-free roosts, perches of correct diameter, regular foot inspection.

4. 🥚 Reproductive & Egg-Related Conditions

4.1 Egg Binding

• Signs: Straining, lethargy, abdominal enlargement, loss of appetite.
• Treatment: Calcium gluconate, warm lamplight, lubrication, gentle manual assistance by vet.
• Prevention: Balanced diet with adequate calcium and exercise.

4.2 Infectious Bronchitis-Induced Egg Drops

• Signs: Misshapen or shell-less eggs.
• Treatment: Electrolyte support, warmth, antibiotics as needed.
• Prevention: IB vaccine, avoid temperature extremes.

4.3 Uterine Prolapse

• Signs: Tissue visible at vent; straining and distress.
• Treatment: Clean, lubricate, invert prolapse, suturing by a vet, antibiotics.
• Prevention: Manage electric stress, reduce egg laying pace.

5. 🦠 Systemic & Emergency Conditions

5.1 Marek’s Disease (Herpesvirus)

• Signs: Paralysis, weight loss, tumors.
• Treatment: Supportive; no cure once clinical, may euthanize for welfare.
• Prevention: Vaccination on day-of-hatch.

5.2 Avian Influenza & Exotic Newcastle

• Signs: Sudden death, respiratory distress, diarrhea, blue wattles.
• Treatment: Emergency; culling under legal protocols.
• Prevention: No contact with wild birds, report suspicious cases.

6. 🧫 Diagnosis & When to Call a Vet

• Swabs for PCR to identify pathogens (MG, IBV, ILT, AI)
• Fecal tests for coccidia, worms
• Microscopic exam for fungal or mite infestations
• Physical exam, bloodwork, and radiographs for crops or internal concerns

📞 Contact your veterinarian promptly if flocks show sudden illness, mortality, egg-laying abnormalities, or worrisome physical signs.

7. 🛡️ Prevention & Biosecurity Best Practices

1. Quarantine: 30-day isolation for new birds before introducing.
2. Cleanliness: Weekly coop cleaning; monthly disinfecting.
3. Vaccination: Recommended for Marek’s disease, fowlpox, MG, IB.
4. Pest control: Deter mosquitoes and wild-bird access.
5. Healthy diet: High-quality feed, supplements (calcium, grit), fresh water.
6. Environment: Proper coop ventilation, draft control, dust management.

8. 📋 Summary Table

9. 🧡 Final Thoughts

Managing a flock isn’t just chores—it’s about proactive care and timely response. Common diseases are treatable when diagnosed early, but prevention is always better than cure. A robust health plan—clean housing, vaccinations, quarantine for newcomers, balanced nutrition, and veterinary support—keeps your backyard chickens healthy, productive, and thriving into 2025 and beyond.

— Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

👉 Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app for 24/7 support with health issues, treatment plans, and preventive guidance for your flock. 🐥✨