Duck Diseases

Botulism: When ducks have this disease, they are not able to swallow anything. Plus, they have lost control of their muscles in the areas of their neck, wings and legs. If ducks are near areas where there is animal and vegetable waste, they could come in contact with toxins that come from bacteria. 

For treatment, they can drink fresh drinking water. Since they can’t swallow, you may have to manually give it to them using a tube. You can also add Epsom salt to the drinking water. In order to prevent a recurrence, the ducks should not be in areas that are dirty and muddy. 

If the weather is hot, it’s even more crucial for them to avoid dirty, muddy and even water that has been stagnant for a while. When the ducks are in an area of hot temperatures, the bacteria accumulate quickly.

Respiratory issues: The duck has a difficult time breathing, so their tail will go up and down in order for them to get some air. They are also in a hunched-up position. If the weather is wet, the ducks can contract a bacterial infection. To get rid of this, give the ducks an antibiotic.

Angel Wing or Slipped Wing: You will know that your duck is affected with this disease when their wings turn outwards. This is caused from the duck consuming too much protein in their system. 

This makes them grow quicker than expected. The wings get heavy because of the excess blood in their quills. The remedy for this is to give them less protein while they are working to grow their primary feathers.

Sinus: When ducks have sinus, their cheeks will swell and get puffy. Also, their nostrils will be runny. Ducks can get sinus from bacteria that is floating around in the air. The treatment for this can be an injection of antibiotics. 

It has to start right away in order for the healing to take effect. The vet will have to flush the duck’s sinuses with antibiotics until the swelling goes down. Do not delay treatment as the duck’s cheeks will get hard and the treatment will not be effective after that. There is no way that the hardening of the cheeks can be reversed.

Pasteurella: The ducks will not have an appetite. They will also be thirstier and will secrete droppings that are green in colour. They will not be coordinated. This disease comes from bacteria in the air. The ducks must give quick treatment which includes antibiotics. Get rid of any carriers of this disease.

Coccidiosis: This disease attacks the stomach lining. The symptoms of this disease include droppings mixed with blood. When the stomach lining is attacked, the ducks cannot digest and absorb nutrients from food that they have consumed. 

This disease may ravage them for several weeks. In order to treat this, put anticoccidial in their drinking water. Even though this is a rare disease for ducks, it’s good to know about it so that you will know what to do in the event they catch it. Hopefully, they never will.

Enteritis: The ducks will secrete droppings that are pink in colour. They will feel listless and not have the energy to move the way they want to. This usually happens in the summertime when they experience hot spells.  

This causes them to get bacteria in their stomach which can cause their stomach to be inflamed. They may also experience bleeding in that area. The vet can give the duck a vaccination. They must get the vaccine immediately. 

They can also get antibiotics for treating the disease. It is suspected that this disease comes from wild birds. Keep the ducks in a clean area for a few days.

Lameness: The duck’s ankle or hock will be swollen. Their legs will also feel hot. This disease can come from an infection due to bacteria. For treatment, the vet will administer injections with antibiotics. 

Even if you know what disease your ducks are inflicted with, it’s still a good idea to take them to the vet for confirmation and additional treatment.