written by: dr. jacquie jacob, university of kentucky
there are many diseases that can affect the nervous system. note that some diseases that affect the nervous system can also affect the respiratory system.
viral infections
avian influenza
- clinical signs of infection by avian influenza include the following:
- coughing
- sneezing
- rales
- swelling of the face and/or wattles
- bluish-purple discoloration of the face
- general diarrhea
- red and/or white spots on legs and comb
- conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye)
marek’s disease
clinical signs of marek’s disease include the following:
- unilateral paralysis of the wing or leg
- lameness
- unthriftiness
- gray eyes and blindness
newcastle disease
clinical signs of newcastle disease include the following:
- coughing
- sneezing
- shaking head
- rales
- gasping
- discharge from the eyes
- discharge from the nose
- swelling of the face and/or wattles
- bluish-purple discoloration of the face
- retarded growth
- general diarrhea or green, watery diarrhea
- twisting of the head and neck (torticollis)
- conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye)
- prostration
eastern equine encephalitis
eastern equine encephalitis affects gamebirds. clinical signs of this disease include the following:
- unthriftiness
- leg paralysis
- twisting of the head
- tremors
emus infected with this disease typically experience bloody diarrhea and death.
bacterial infections
botulism
clinical signs of botulism include the following:
- inability to control the head
- sleepy demeanor
- diarrhea
fowl cholera
clinical signs of fowl cholera include the following:
- darkened head
- swollen head and wattles
- paralysis
- reduced egg production
fungal infections
aspergillosis
clinical signs of aspergillosis include the following:
- respiratory distress
- silent gasping or gurgling sounds
- death