The Most Prevalent Diseases Affecting Turkeys

Raising healthy turkeys requires knowledge of the most common diseases these birds can contract. Being aware of the prevalence, symptoms, and prevention methods for turkey illnesses empowers flock owners to promptly identify and properly manage outbreaks. This prevents disease spread and mitigates losses. Below is an overview of the major health conditions affecting turkeys grouped by category.

Viral Diseases

Avian Influenza

Avian influenza, commonly called bird flu, is a contagious viral disease primarily transmitted via the respiratory tract According to the Livestock Conservancy, avian influenza is one of the most prevalent and lethal diseases found in turkeys worldwide.

Mortality rates often approach 100% in unvaccinated domestic turkey flocks. The disease manifests as respiratory illness, diarrhea, decreased egg production, and sudden death. Strict biosecurity is imperative to prevent exposure.

Newcastle Disease

Newcastle disease is a contagious and fatal viral illness also targeting the respiratory system. The Livestock Conservancy ranks it among the most widespread, infectious poultry diseases globally.

On average, mortality exceeds 50% in susceptible, unvaccinated turkey flocks. Prevention involves vaccination and isolating new additions until their disease-free status is confirmed.

Turkey Viral Hepatitis

Also called turkey viral enteritis, this disease typically affects young poults between 2 and 6 weeks old. It manifests as listlessness, diarrhea, severe dehydration, and death within 1-2 days of onset.

According to Open Sanctuary, turkey viral hepatitis is very contagious and can kill 90% of infected poults. Strict biosecurity and an “all-in, all-out” management system help control outbreaks.

Turkey Coronaviral Enteritis

This emergent, contagious viral disease causes enteritis and high mortality rates in commercial turkeys. Open Sanctuary names turkey coronaviral enteritis as one of the major diseases affecting the poultry industry.

Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, depression, and 50-80% mortality in infected turkey flocks. Proper ventilation, hygiene, and isolation of new arrivals prevent exposure.

Bacterial Diseases

Avian Cholera

Avian cholera is a contagious, systemic bacterial disease transmitted through contaminated feed, water, and air. The Livestock Conservancy reports this as one of the most infectious diseases found in turkeys.

Symptoms are variable but often include sudden death, nasal discharge, and diarrhea. Mortality can reach 75% in some flocks. Antibiotics, disinfection, and vaccination help control outbreaks.

Erysipelas

Erysipelas is a bacterial disease turkeys acquire through wounds or ingestion. According to Open Sanctuary, it usually causes sudden death, lameness, and lethargy.

Turkeys contract the bacteria from contaminated soil, most commonly ground where pigs were kept. Antibiotics and vaccination are the main preventative and treatment methods.

Mycoplasmosis

Mycoplasmosis refers to any infection caused by Mycoplasma bacteria, several strains of which affect turkeys. St David’s Poultry Team reports mycoplasmosis as the most common cause of lameness and respiratory illness in turkeys.

Symptoms include swollen joints, sneezing, coughing, and eye/sinus discharge. Mycoplasma spreads via mating, hatching, and airborne transmission. Control involves antibiotics and biosecurity.

Parasitic Diseases

Coccidiosis

Coccidiosis is an intestinal disease caused by protozoan parasites called coccidia. Open Sanctuary names coccidiosis as one of the most common and detrimental diseases affecting turkeys.

It spreads through contact with infected feces and causes diarrhea, dehydration, weight loss, and lethargy. Prevention and treatment include anticoccidial drugs, vaccination, and sound sanitation practices.

Histomoniasis

Also called blackhead disease, histomoniasis is a fatal parasitic disease turkey acquire by ingesting infected caecal worm eggs. The St David’s Poultry Team states it typically causes liver damage, diarrhea, and sudden death in turkeys.

Worming turkeys regularly, preventing contact with chickens, and rotating range areas disrupt disease transmission. Oregano supplements may also be preventative.

Capillariasis

This parasitic disease is caused by Capillaria roundworms infecting the turkeys’ digestive tract. According to the Livestock Conservancy, capillariasis is the most harmful parasitic infection turkeys can develop.

It often leads to weight loss, diarrhea, poor growth, and death. Routine worming and feces testing enable early detection and treatment of outbreaks before major losses occur.

Other Common Diseases

Candidiasis

Candidiasis is a fungal infection typically affecting the upper digestive tract. Open Sanctuary states candidiasis often arises when antibiotic treatment disturbs the normal microbiome balance.

In turkeys, symptoms include poor growth, reduced feeding, thick mucus in the mouth, and white plaques on the mucous membranes. Antifungal drugs, probiotics, and reducing antibiotic overuse can treat and prevent candida overgrowth.

Enlarged Hock Disease

This condition usually emerges between 2-4 weeks and 14-16 weeks of age, causing severe leg weakness and stumble-walking in turkeys. According to the Livestock Conservancy, the exact cause is unknown but nutrition and bacteria like Mycoplasma likely contribute.

Prevention and treatment focus on starting poults on balanced diets, ensuring adequate vitamin D3, calcium, and sunshine. Culling crippled birds also prevents suffering.

Aortic Rupture

Aortic rupture occurs when the main artery from the heart ruptures, leading to acute blood loss and death. St David’s Poultry Team states this primarily affects male turkeys experiencing fast growth rates.

Prevention aims to slow growth by adjusting feed ratios to reduce heart and cardiovascular strain. Careful genetic selection away from rapid early weight gain also helps lower risk.