🐾 Animal Welfare Hub

Key Facts

• IBV spreads rapidly through flocks, affecting respiratory and reproductive systems
• Chickens show respiratory signs including rattling, coughing, and nasal discharge
• Layer flocks suffer egg production drops and shell quality problems
• Many IBV variants exist, with vaccines providing incomplete cross-protection
• Chick mortality can be high in severe outbreaks, especially in young birds

Welfare Considerations

Infectious bronchitis creates acute welfare suffering through respiratory distress, including difficulty breathing, coughing, and the systemic signs of fever and depression. Chicks under three weeks old are most severely affected and face high mortality in unvaccinated or poorly matched vaccine flocks. Laying hens experience chronic reproductive effects including misshapen eggs and permanent reproductive damage in some IBV strains. Welfare management during outbreaks requires keeping birds warm and comfortable, providing easily accessible feed and water, and treating secondary bacterial infections promptly.

What You Can Do

• Implement comprehensive vaccination programs matched to local IBV variants
• Maintain strict biosecurity to reduce IBV introduction from wild birds and visitors
• Ensure adequate ventilation without chilling during cold weather
• Monitor flocks closely for early respiratory signs and act promptly
• Treat secondary bacterial infections to reduce morbidity and mortality