Pathogenic characteristics, clinical signs, and prevention and control measures of duck colibacillosis
2026-06-05
I. Clinical Characteristics of Onset
1. The disease most commonly occurs in spring and autumn, but it can also occur during other seasons.
2. Duck colibacillosis is a common disease in ducks, an acute septicemic bacterial infectious disease caused by pathogenic Escherichia coli that leads to systemic or localized infections.
3. Clinical features of duck colibacillosis: acute onset and rapid mortality; it primarily affects ducklings or growing ducks aged 2 to 6 weeks.
4. The predisposing factors for duck colibacillosis include high stocking density, poor ventilation, humid and malodorous air, inadequate disinfection, and unsanitary conditions.
II. Clinical Symptoms
1. Newly hatched ducklings that become ill exhibit a weak constitution, with eyes closed and neck retracted, and an enlarged abdominal circumference; they often suffer from diarrhea and frequently die from septicemia.
2. In severely affected ducklings, there is depression, reduced appetite, drooping wings, and a huddled posture; the head is bent downward, with the beak touching the ground, and sticky discharge often accumulates around the eyes and nostrils.
3. Some affected ducks pass green, watery droppings and experience difficulty breathing; they often succumb to septicemia or physical exhaustion, becoming lethargic, reducing feed intake, increasing water consumption, and ultimately dying from dehydration.
4. Adult affected ducks prefer to lie down and are reluctant to move; when standing, their abdomen appears distended and droops, resembling a penguin. Palpation reveals fluid wave motion in the abdominal cavity, indicating the presence of ascites.
III. Anatomical Symptoms
1. Upon incision of the skin, dehydration and skin tightening are typically observed; the liver is enlarged, sometimes exhibiting a bronze‑colored appearance; the spleen is also enlarged, brittle in consistency, and occasionally darkened.
2. The characteristic lesions consist of a yellow‑white or yellow‑green fibrinous exudate covering the pericardium, liver, and air sacs; in some cases, the exudate resembles curdled milk.
3. The peritoneum exhibits exudative inflammation; the ascitic fluid is pale yellow, with a fishy odor; intestinal adhesions are sometimes present, and the intestinal lumen contains gas bubbles and mucus; the intestinal mucosa shows catarrhal or necrotizing inflammation.
4. In some affected ducks, the yolk sac ruptures, with yolk material spilling into the abdominal cavity; in other ducklings, incomplete yolk absorption leads to pathological changes such as omphalitis.
IV. Prevention and Treatment Protocols
Prevention:
1. Strengthen management of rearing practices, implement strict disease prevention measures, maintain good hygiene in the duck house, ensure adequate warmth while providing proper ventilation, and avoid excessive stocking density.
2. During the medication regimen, use drugs such as Zhongren Gangqingte, flufenicol powder, and Kekexi to effectively prevent duck diseases.
Treatment:
1. Duck colibacillosis can only be effectively controlled and rapidly resolved when combined with proper husbandry and management practices.
2. Treatment regimen: Administer a concentrated drinking solution of Zhongren Ganbiqing, Jiangyanjing, Jianggan Sushi, Jiduola, or similar products; continue for 3–5 days.
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