For poultry farmers in Kenya, the ongoing short rains present a distinct operational challenge: moisture control. While the rains are necessary for agriculture, they create a high-humidity environment within poultry houses that can severely impact flock health.
The primary concern during this season is the management of wet litter. When relative humidity rises, maintaining dry bedding becomes difficult. This creates ideal conditions for the sporulation of Eimeria, the protozoan parasite responsible for Coccidiosis.
The Technical Challenge: Moisture and Ammonia
Wet litter initiates a cascade of negative environmental factors within the coop:
- Pathogen Proliferation: Coccidial oocysts require warmth and moisture to sporulate and become infective. Poorly managed litter acts as an incubator for these parasites.
- Ammonia Levels: High moisture content facilitates the breakdown of uric acid in manure into ammonia ($NH_3$). Elevated ammonia levels can damage the tracheal lining of the birds, predisposing them to secondary respiratory infections such as E. coli or CRD.
The Danshi Enterprises Vet Approach
Many farmers react to these outbreaks by purchasing broad-spectrum antibiotics without a definitive diagnosis. This approach is often inefficient and can lead to drug resistance.
At Danshi, we advocate for a data-driven, preventive approach:
- Accurate Diagnostics: We utilize precise veterinary diagnostics to confirm the specific strain of Coccidiosis before recommending treatment.
- Environmental Management: Our team provides technical guidance on ventilation and litter amendment strategies to reduce humidity levels effectively, treating the root cause rather than just the symptoms.
- Targeted Therapy: When treatment is necessary, we prescribe specific anticoccidials tailored to the severity of the infection and the age of the flock.
Don't let the wet season compromise your production. Contact Danshi today for a professional assessment of your flock's health and biosecurity status.