LPM 222: Diversified poultry production and current concepts in poultry management and marketing [Livestock Production Management (Regional Interest)] (1+1)

Mycosis of the digestive tract

MYCOSIS OFTHE DIGETIVE TRACT

• Mycosis of the digestive tract, caused by Candida albicans, can occur frequently in some classes of poultry but not in geese.
• An exception is force-fed birds, where inflammation of the oesophagus may be caused by the insertion of the corn dispenser. This inflammation can then provide a port of entry for Candida nlbicans.

Symptoms

• The symptoms are not particularly characteristic but infected birds show unsatisfactory growth, are stunted, listless and have ruffled feathers.
• Lesions occur most frequently in the crop and are characterised by a whiteish deposit.

Treatment

• Since unhygienic and overcrowded conditions are conducive to Candida albicans infections, the first step is to eliminate these. The addition of copper sulphate to the drinking water has had variable results in treating chickens and geese.
• Sodium bicarbonate in the drinking water increases the pH in the crop and creates an unfavourable condition for the organism as it likes an acid environment. Addition of either Nystatin or Amphotericin to the feed has been reported to be effective.