Duck diseases diagnosis, prevention and control

- Nutritional deficiency (Vitamin E or selenium)

➡️Wry Neck in Ducks

Wry neck, a distressing condition observed in ducks, manifests as an abnormal twisting or tilting of the neck, impacting their mobility and coordination. This condition, often called torticollis or crook neck, can present as a duckling holding its head at an awkward angle or struggling to maintain balance. It is sometimes described as a sideways “S” bend neck.

Wry neck is often attributed to nutritional deficiencies, particularly insufficient levels of essential vitamins like Vitamin E or selenium. Control by: providing immediate dietary adjustments, such as offering vitamin supplements or a balanced diet rich in vital nutrients, and seeking prompt veterinary consultation can be pivotal in managing and potentially reversing wry neck in ducks.

➡️Differential diagnosis

Wry neck and limberneck (neck paralysis) are occasionally mistaken for each other. Limberneck, primarily a symptom associated with botulism, avian flu, or poison ingestion, presents as neck paralysis in ducks.

➡️ Wet Feather in Ducks

This is a condition in which a duck’s feathers become waterlogged and lose their ability to repel water and insulate the bird.

This condition arises due to various factors such as insufficient preening, dysfunction of the oil glands, or prolonged exposure to excessive moisture.

Ducks affected by wet feather lose their feathers’ ability to repel water, compromising their insulation and exposing them to environmental challenges.

Prevention involves providing a dry and clean living space, ensuring proper nutrition for healthy feather growth, and minimizing exposure to prolonged dampness.

If ducks develop wet feather, supportive care through gentle drying (even with a hair dryer), fostering a dry environment, and encouraging natural preening can aid recovery.

Sometimes, you need to wait until the duck molts. Molting helps with wet feather by allowing the growth of new, healthy feathers. As the old, waterlogged feathers are shed, the new feathers that grow in their place tend to be healthier and better equipped to repel water.

Duck inside to rest.

➡️General Biosecurity Measures in duck yards:

-Implement biosecurity practices to limit disease exposure, including quarantining new ducks, restricting contact with wild birds, and disinfecting equipment.

-Regular Health Checks: Conduct routine health checks, observe ducks for signs of illness or abnormal behavior, and seek veterinary attention promptly if needed.

-Predator Protection: Secure their living area to protect ducks from predators, reducing stress and potential injuries.

-Parasite Control: Implement measures to control parasites such as mites, lice, or worms through regular checks and appropriate treatments.

-Monitoring Behavior: Pay attention to their behavior, ensuring they are active and alert and displaying regular feeding and socializing patterns.

- isolating the affected duck and providing a quiet, stress-free environment can aid recovery.

- Nutrition: Ensuring proper adequate nutrition.

- Provide clean water and a balanced diet suited to their age and health needs.

-Medication: Antibiotics or antifungal medications .

-Wound Care: Cleaning and treating wounds with antiseptic solutions or ointments can prevent infections and promote healing.

-Supportive Care: Providing warmth, gentle handling, and comfort can aid in the recovery of ducks suffering from various health issues.

Vaccination Program for Commercial Ducklings

Age	Vaccine		Route		Type
1 day		Riemerella anatipestifer	Aerosol	Live vaccine^a avirulent vaccine consisting of the three major serotypes (1, 2, and 5) of R anatipestifer.
10–14 days			Drinking water
3 wk			SC	Bacterin A formalin-inactivated cell suspension of the three major serotypes (1, 2, and 5) of R anatipestifer is recommended for preventive immunization on farms where the disease is endemic or epidemic.

Vaccination Program for Duck Breeder

Age	Vaccine	Route	Type
1 day	Riemerella anatipestifer	Aerosol	Live vaccine^a A live, avirulent vaccine consisting of the three major serotypes (1, 2, and 5) of R anatipestifer.
10–14 days		Drinking water
3 wk		SC	Bacterin^b
4 wk	Duck viral hepatitis	SC	Live vaccine^c (Type 1)
4 wk	Duck viral enteritis	SC	Live vaccine^c
10 and 20 wk^d	R anatipestifer	SC	Bacterin, formalin-inactivated cell suspension of the three major serotypes (1, 2, and 5) of R anatipestifer
	Duck viral hepatitis	SC	Killed virus vaccine (Type 1)
N.B: White Pekin breeder ducks normally start egg production at 24 weeks old. Egg production can be accelerated or delayed, and breeder vaccination should be completed before the onset of egg production to optimize the passage of parental immunity to progeny.