Infectious disease is caused by pathogens (disease-causing agents). Pathogens and ultimately disease outbreaks in nurseries and aviaries are transmitted in several ways. Chicks may be contaminated by direct, indirect or airborne and by carrier (or vector) transmission. Direct transmission requires physical contact with an infected bird or with its bodr excretions. Air can spread minute bacteria, fungus, spores and viruses as well as infectious micro-organisms. Vectors or carriers spread disease by transferring organisms mechanically with their feet or with their droppings. Common vectors or pests in a nursery or aviary are wild birds, rodents, ants, flies, roaches and unsanitary handling.

Indirect contamination is by far the most common way of transmitting pathogens in the nursery or aviary. Disease-causing organisms are unwittingly spread with our hands, or with unsanitary hand-feeding equipment, bedding, housing and brooding containers. Also infected dust, water, food, dishes and cages can indirectly transmit disease. Hand-feeding utensils should be cleaned and disinfected or discarded after every use. Hand-feeding utensils and aviary equipment should first he thoroughly cleaned in hot soapy water and then soaked in a good high or intermediate-level disinfectant for the recommended period of time or between use. Thoroughly rinse before using.

It is important that we who hand-feed have an understanding of or are familiar with the various scientifically defined groups of pathogens (microbes) responsible for disease in our nursery and aviaries. Bacteria (Gram negative and Gram positive), fungi (yeast, molds), viruses, and protozoa-like organisms can cause illness. Of these four groups viruses and fungi are the most difficult to destroy. These hard-to-eradicate micro-organisms are able to withstand adverse conditions and temperature extremes. On the other hand, protozoa, simple one-celled organisms are readily destroyed by heat, sunlight and chemicals. Coccidia and Trichomonas are of this group.

Salmonella, coccoid diseases and Gram-negative bacterial infection of E.coli, Klebsiella spp., and Pseudomonas spp., are all too common in facilities lacking good sanitation practices. One of the most prevalent clinical syndromes associated with bacterial infection is septicemia, which can be caused by most, if not all, bacteria and is a result of generalized infection of multiple organs and organ systems. A good sanitation program for hand-feeding utensils and tubes is critical in preventing coccoid and other Gram negative diseases. Since yolk sack and navel infections can occur with these bacteria, it is very important to utilize antiseptics and exercise good sanitation of incubators and brooders (Fred Dustan Clark, DVM, MS (1991) Bird disease update: bacteria and fungi, PSM). It is my opinion that septicemia related to improper or virtually non-existent sanitation Practices in the nursery is responsible for most avian pediatric deaths.

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Developing Your Sanitation Program
Disinfectants
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