Infectious Bronchitis in Chickens

Infectious bronchitis (IBV) in chickens is an illness that can cause long-term, permanent health issues within your laying flock. Prevention is crucial to avoid losses and decreased egg-laying capability of your hens.

Cause and Symptoms

Infectious bronchitis is caused by a virus that initially causes upper respiratory symptoms and eggshell quality issues:

• Sneezing
• Eye swelling and discharge
• Nasal drainage
• Coughing
• Decrease in egg production
• Wrinkled, thin eggshells
• Light colored shells

Prevention

Vaccination and biosecurity are the most effective ways to prevent infectious bronchitis. 

Treatment

Symptoms will begin to show within 24-48 hours after infection. The virus quickly spreads throughout the entire flock via airborne transmission and in their feces.

Treatment for upper respiratory symptoms will be mainly supportive. Vet Rx mixed in the feed or mixed as a spray to mist the flock while roosting is helpful. Antibiotics will not help a viral infection but may help treat any secondary infections that may develop while the flock fights the virus. Contact your avian veterinarian or local University Extension for advice and laboratory testing to confirm any viral or bacterial illness.

Infectious bronchitis may cause permanent damage to the oviduct in hens and the kidneys in both hens and roosters. Depending on the viral strain, long-term damage to organs may be minimal to severe, infecting nearly all hens.