How to Spot Infectious Bronchitis Symptoms in Broiler Chickens: A Nigerian Farmer’s Real Experience

My name is Pius Emeka. I’ve been raising broiler chickens here in Oyi Local Government Area, Anambra State for eight years now. When I first started, I lost over 200 birds to infectious bronchitis symptoms in broiler chickens without even knowing what hit my flock. That painful lesson taught me everything I share with you today.

Infectious bronchitis kills dreams and empties bank accounts faster than any other poultry disease in Nigeria. But with the right knowledge, you can spot it early and save your birds.

What is Infectious Bronchitis in Nigerian Broiler Chickens?

Infectious bronchitis is a viral disease that attacks the breathing system of your broiler chickens. The virus spreads through the air when sick birds cough or sneeze. Morbidity is 100% in non-vaccinated flocks, which means every single bird in your farm will catch it if one gets infected.

I learned this the hard way during my second year of farming. My neighbor, Chuka, brought some new chicks from Onitsha Market. Within three days, his entire broiler flock was coughing. Within a week, the disease jumped to my farm through our shared fence line.

Chicks can cough, sneeze, and have tracheal rales for 10–14 days during an outbreak. The infected birds sound like they’re drowning in their own mucus.

Early Signs That Saved My Farm

Respiratory Symptoms

Coughing and sneezing: These are the first signs you’ll notice. Your broiler chickens will make harsh coughing sounds, especially at night when it’s quiet. I always tell farmers in my training workshops to listen to their birds during evening feeding time.

Wet rattling sounds: Often it is characterized by coughing, sneezing and rales (rattling). When you pick up an affected bird, you’ll hear bubbling or rattling sounds from their chest.

Nasal discharge: Clear or yellowish mucus flows from their nostrils. In severe cases, the discharge becomes thick and blocks their breathing passages.

Gasping for air: Birds stretch their necks and open their beaks wide trying to breathe. This happens when the virus blocks their air passages with thick mucus.

Behavioral Changes

During my fourth year, I noticed something strange. My broiler chickens stopped their normal morning rush to the feeder. Instead, they huddled together near the heat source looking depressed and weak.

Depression and crowding around heat sources are observed in infected young chickens up to 4 weeks old. Your usually active broilers become quiet and inactive.

Digestive Issues

Clinical signs include depression, wet droppings, and excessive water intake. You’ll notice your infected broiler chickens drinking much more water than usual. Their droppings become watery and loose.

Age-Specific Infectious Bronchitis Symptoms in Broiler Chickens

Different ages show different symptoms. Here’s what I’ve observed over the years:

Day-Old to 2 Weeks

• Very high death rates (up to 25-30% of your flock)
• Severe breathing problems
• Birds pile up on each other seeking warmth
• Loud coughing and sneezing fits
• Slow growth compared to healthy chicks

2-4 Weeks

• The mortality rate may typically be 25–30 percent for young chickens but may approach 80 percent, depending on the virulence of the strain
• Less severe coughing but still present
• Poor feed conversion
• Uneven growth in the flock
• Some birds recover but remain carriers

4+ Weeks

• Lower death rates but economic losses continue
• Stunted growth in recovered birds
• Poor feed conversion ratios
• Increased susceptibility to other diseases

My Personal Disaster and Recovery Story

In 2019, I had 500 broiler chickens ready for market at 7 weeks. Everything looked perfect until I heard the first cough on a Tuesday morning during feeding. By Friday, I had lost 127 birds to infectious bronchitis symptoms in broiler chickens.

The veterinarian from Awka told me I should have acted faster. The virus had spread through my entire flock because I didn’t isolate the first sick birds immediately.

Here’s what I did wrong:

• Ignored the first coughing sounds
• Delayed calling the vet
• Failed to separate sick birds
• Continued with normal feeding routines

That experience cost me ₦340,000 in direct losses plus another ₦180,000 in veterinary bills and medication.

How Infectious Bronchitis Spreads in Nigerian Farms

The virus spreads faster than bush fire during harmattan season. Here’s how it moves between birds:

Airborne transmission: When infected birds cough or sneeze, virus particles fly through the air up to 10 meters away. Your healthy birds breathe in these particles and get infected within hours.

Contaminated equipment: Feed containers, water drinkers, and even your boots can carry the virus from one pen to another. I learned to disinfect everything after visiting sick birds.

Wild birds: Crows, sparrows, and other wild birds can carry the virus on their feathers and feet. They land in your farm, contaminate feed and water, then fly to neighboring farms.

Human movement: You can carry the virus on your clothes, hands, and shoes when moving between farms or pens without proper biosecurity.

Critical Symptoms That Demand Immediate Action

Treatment Options Available in Nigeria

No cure exists for infectious bronchitis. This is the hardest truth I had to learn. However, you can manage the symptoms and prevent secondary infections:

Supportive Care

• Warmth: Increase brooder temperature by 2-3°C to help birds cope with breathing difficulties
• Ventilation: Improve air circulation without creating drafts
• Clean water: Provide fresh, clean water with electrolytes
• Nutritious feed: High-quality starter or finisher feed to boost immune system

Antibiotic Treatment

Your vet may prescribe antibiotics like tetracycline or tylosin to prevent bacterial infections that often follow viral infections. These don’t kill the virus but stop secondary problems.

Home Remedies

Some farmers in my area use local herbs, but I strongly advise consulting a qualified veterinarian first. What works for one farm may harm another.

Prevention Strategies That Work in Nigeria

Vaccination Programs

This is your strongest weapon against infectious bronchitis symptoms in broiler chickens. Work with a reliable vet to develop a vaccination schedule:

Day-old vaccination: Many hatcheries now vaccinate chicks before delivery Booster shots: Usually given at 10-14 days of age Spray vaccination: Easier for large flocks but requires proper technique

Biosecurity Measures

I implemented these after my 2019 disaster:

Foot baths: Disinfectant at every entrance to my farm Restricted access: Only essential personnel enter bird areas Quarantine: New birds stay isolated for 14 days before joining main flock Wild bird control: Netting over pens to prevent wild bird contamination

Farm Management

All-in, all-out system: Don’t mix different age groups Regular cleaning: Disinfect equipment weekly Proper ventilation: Good air flow without drafts Stress reduction: Avoid overcrowding and sudden changes

Economic Impact on Nigerian Broiler Farmers

The numbers hurt, but you need to know them:

Direct losses: Mortality rate may typically be 25–30 percent for young chickens but may approach 80 percent in severe outbreaks Reduced growth: Surviving birds grow 20-30% slower than healthy ones Poor feed conversion: You spend more money feeding birds that don’t gain weight properly Veterinary costs: Treatment and prevention can cost ₦50-100 per bird Market delays: Infected flocks take 1-2 weeks longer to reach market weight

Based on current market prices in Anambra State, an outbreak can cost you ₦200-500 per bird in total losses.

Local Case Studies from Anambra State

Case Study 1: Okechukwu’s Farm (2021)

My student Okechukwu had 300 broiler chickens when infectious bronchitis hit his farm in Ajali village. He noticed the first symptoms on day 18 of the birds’ age.

Initial signs: Mild coughing during morning feeding Action taken: Called me immediately, isolated coughing birds Result: Lost only 23 birds (7.6% mortality) compared to neighbors who lost 40-60% Key success factor: Early detection and immediate response

Case Study 2: Mama Nkechi’s Experience (2020)

Mama Nkechi ignored early coughing sounds, thinking it was dust from harmattan season. This delay cost her dearly.

Initial signs: Sneezing and mild coughing ignored for 5 days Delayed response: Called vet only when birds started dying Result: Lost 156 out of 400 birds (39% mortality) Lesson: Early action saves money and birds

Case Study 3: Cooperative Farm Success (2022)

A group of 12 farmers in Nteje formed a cooperative and implemented joint biosecurity measures.

Strategy: Shared vaccination costs, coordinated prevention Results: Zero infectious bronchitis outbreaks in 18 months Cost savings: ₦2.3 million saved compared to individual prevention efforts

When to Call a Veterinarian

Don’t wait until birds start dying. Call your vet when you notice:

• First signs of coughing or sneezing in any bird
• Unusual behavior like depression or clustering
• Reduced feed or water consumption
• Any respiratory symptoms during harmattan season
• Death of even one bird with breathing problems

Emergency contacts: Keep your vet’s number saved in your phone. In Anambra State, contact the veterinary services at the Ministry of Agriculture for emergency help.

Regional Differences in Nigeria

Infectious bronchitis affects different regions differently:

Northern Nigeria: More common during harmattan season due to dusty, dry conditions that stress birds’ respiratory systems Middle Belt: Peak infections during rainy season transitions Southern Nigeria: Year-round risk due to high humidity, but lower mortality rates

In the Southeast where I farm, we see most outbreaks between November and February when harmattan winds carry more dust and stress birds’ immune systems.

Training and Education Resources

NAERLS programs: As at June 2022, there were over 100 million farmers, over 82% of which are smallholders in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. NAERLS offers extension services including poultry disease management.

Local veterinary colleges: Universities of Nigeria Nsukka and Michael Okpara University offer short courses for farmers.

Poultry association workshops: 180 millon Birds Poultry Birds Population according to the Poultry Association of Nigeria, making farmer education critical.

I conduct monthly training sessions here in Oyi LGA. Contact me through the local agricultural development program office for schedule information.

Common Mistakes Nigerian Farmers Make

Mistake 1: Ignoring Vaccination

Many small-scale farmers skip vaccination to save money. This false economy costs much more during outbreaks.

Mistake 2: Poor Biosecurity

Allowing visitors without foot baths, sharing equipment between farms, and not quarantining new birds are common problems I see.

Mistake 3: Delayed Treatment

Waiting to “see if it gets better” often turns a manageable problem into a disaster.

Mistake 4: Self-Medication

Using human antibiotics or unprescribed drugs can make problems worse and waste money.

Mistake 5: Overcrowding

Packing too many birds in small spaces helps diseases spread faster and reduces air quality.

Seasonal Considerations for Nigerian Farmers

Harmattan Season (November-February)

• Higher risk: Dusty air stresses respiratory systems
• Prevention focus: Extra attention to ventilation and humidity
• Early symptoms: Distinguish between dust irritation and viral infection

Rainy Season (April-September)

• Humidity challenges: Poor ventilation increases disease pressure
• Biosecurity: Muddy conditions make cleaning harder
• Wild bird activity: More wild birds seek shelter near farms

Dry Season (October-March)

• Water management: Ensure clean, fresh water availability
• Feed storage: Protect feed from dust contamination
• Equipment maintenance: Clean and repair ventilation systems

Future Prevention Planning

Record Keeping

Track every outbreak, symptom, and treatment result. This helps you identify patterns and improve prevention strategies.

Vaccination Schedule

Work with your vet to create a calendar showing exactly when each flock needs vaccination. Don’t guess or estimate dates.

Emergency Fund

Set aside ₦20-50 per bird in an emergency fund for unexpected outbreaks. This money should only be used for veterinary care and emergency treatments.

Network Building

Connect with other serious farmers in your area. Share information about disease outbreaks and successful prevention strategies.

FAQs About Infectious Bronchitis in Nigerian Broiler Chickens

Can infectious bronchitis symptoms in broiler chickens be confused with other diseases?

Yes, infectious bronchitis symptoms in broiler chickens look similar to Newcastle disease, fowl pox, and chronic respiratory disease. The main difference is the wet, rattling cough and the speed of spread. Infectious bronchitis spreads to every bird within 2-3 days, while other diseases take longer.

I always tell farmers to call the vet immediately when any respiratory symptoms appear. Only laboratory tests can confirm which disease you’re dealing with.

How long do infectious bronchitis symptoms last in recovered broiler chickens?

Chicks can cough, sneeze, and have tracheal rales for 10–14 days during active infection. However, recovered birds may show mild symptoms for up to 4 weeks. Some birds become permanent carriers and can spread the virus to new flocks even after appearing healthy.

In my experience, birds that recover from infectious bronchitis never perform as well as healthy birds. Their growth rate stays 15-20% lower throughout their lives.

Do all broiler chicken breeds show the same infectious bronchitis symptoms?

Local Nigerian breeds like Fulani fowl often show milder symptoms than imported broiler breeds. Improved breeds like Marshall, Arbor Acres, and Ross are more susceptible to severe symptoms and higher death rates.

During my training workshops, I’ve noticed that mixed-breed flocks suffer less severe outbreaks than pure imported breeds. However, the economic losses are similar because slower-growing local breeds take longer to reach market weight.

What is the survival rate for broiler chickens with infectious bronchitis symptoms?

The mortality rate may typically be 25–30 percent for young chickens but may approach 80 percent, depending on the virulence of the strain. In my eight years of experience, I’ve seen survival rates vary from 20% to 85% depending on several factors:

• Age when infected (younger birds die more)
• Vaccination status
• Overall flock health before infection
• Speed of treatment
• Quality of supportive care

Can humans catch infectious bronchitis from infected broiler chickens?

No, humans cannot catch infectious bronchitis from chickens. This virus only affects birds. However, humans can spread the virus between flocks on their clothes, shoes, and hands without getting sick themselves.

I always wear dedicated farm clothes and boots when visiting my chicken pens. This protects my birds, not me.

How much does treating infectious bronchitis symptoms cost per broiler chicken?

Treatment costs vary across Nigeria, but here’s my experience in Anambra State:

• Veterinary consultation: ₦5,000-15,000 per visit
• Antibiotics for secondary infections: ₦30-80 per bird
• Supportive medications: ₦20-50 per bird
• Additional heating costs: ₦500-1,000 per flock daily
• Feed wastage: ₦10-30 per bird

Total treatment costs typically range from ₦60-150 per bird, not including the value of birds that die.

When is the best time to vaccinate broiler chickens against infectious bronchitis?

Vaccination timing depends on local disease pressure and your management system. In Nigeria, most veterinarians recommend:

• Day 1: At the hatchery or immediately after arrival
• Day 10-14: Booster vaccination
• Special circumstances: During high-risk seasons like harmattan

Work with a qualified veterinarian to develop the right schedule for your location. What works in Lagos may not work in Kano due to different disease pressures.

Are there any natural remedies that help with infectious bronchitis symptoms in broiler chickens?

While some traditional remedies are used by Nigerian farmers, there’s no scientific proof they cure infectious bronchitis. Some farmers report mild improvement using:

• Ginger and garlic water (may boost immune system)
• Neem leaf extracts (general antimicrobial properties)
• Honey in drinking water (soothes throat irritation)

Important warning: These should never replace proper veterinary care. Use traditional remedies only as supportive care alongside professional treatment, and always consult your veterinarian first.

Conclusion

Infectious bronchitis symptoms in broiler chickens can destroy your farming dreams, but they don’t have to. Eight years of experience has taught me that successful farmers share three characteristics: they act fast, they invest in prevention, and they never stop learning.

The virus will always be present in Nigeria’s poultry environment. Your success depends on staying one step ahead through proper vaccination, strict biosecurity, and immediate response to the first symptoms.

Remember what I learned the hard way: prevention costs much less than treatment, and treatment costs much less than replacement. Invest in your knowledge, build relationships with good veterinarians, and never ignore the first cough you hear in your broiler flock.

Start implementing these strategies today. Your future self will thank you when you’re counting profits instead of losses.

References:

1. Merck Veterinary Manual – Infectious Bronchitis in Chickens: https://www.merckvetmanual.com/poultry/infectious-bronchitis/infectious-bronchitis-in-chickens
2. National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS): https://naerls.gov.ng/
3. Poultry Association of Nigeria: https://poultryassociationofnigeria.org/

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about infectious bronchitis symptoms in broiler chickens based on practical farming experience. Always consult qualified veterinarians for specific medical advice and treatment protocols. The author is not liable for losses resulting from the application of information contained in this article.