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Chronic Respiratory Disease (CRD): 

Cause:   Mycoplasma Bacteria often seen in combination with infectious bronchitis or coryza.

Survival off birds: Very minimal

Common worldwide: Resembles many viral respiratory diseases. For accurate diagnosis this disease should be confirmed through a laboratory diagnosis.

Carrier: Spread from infected breeders through hatching eggs and by direct contact with infected or

carrier birds. Survivors become immune to future infection but remain carriers. In other words once it is in your flock and on the premises it stays there for a number of years. Incubation is 6 to 21 days.

Symptoms: coughing, rattling, gurgling, nasal discharge, ruffled feathers, frothy eyes, squeaky crow, sometimes darkened comb, loss of appetite, weight loss, yellowish droppings

Treatment: Unfortunately there is not a specific treatment of this disease. Treatment will reduce the death rate but survivors are carriers. You should contact your veterinarian for help. This is a very serious problem that needs to be treated quickly. It is a very slow moving bacteria and usually the whole flock should be treated although not with medications as strong as the infected bird or birds.   Make sure the birds are pest free, clean the water cups and feed cups often with a solution of chlorine bleach.

Immediate isolation of the actively infected birds is highly recommended. If you are unsure of the treatment contact your favorite supply company or your vet.

Prevention: Minimize stress due to sudden weather changes, feed changes, drafts, chilling, over crowding, or worming.

This is sometimes known as a stress disease. Keep your birds and their home as free of parasites as possible.

Thoroughly clean the area the infected bird was housed or is being housed. There are many commercial products that may be purchased and used. A strong solution of chlorine bleach may be used with a sprayer once all dirty litter is removed. Dry the area completely before putting birds back in the same area. Wash feed cups and water cups with a strong solution of chlorine bleach. If they are kept in cages, spray the cage and let it dry in the sun.

Cleanliness, both physically and materially is very important to keeping your birds happy and healthy.

Medications needed to treat this problem can be found in the APA-ABA Youth Program store.