Duck Viral Hepatitis

Click to purchase Day Old Ducklings.

Duck viral hepatitis is a disease that mostly affects ducklings under 4 weeks of age. Older ducks that become infected with this virus have a much better chance of survival and the symptoms are less severe.

Symptoms

Initial symptoms of ducks affected with viral hepatitis are general malaise, a reluctance to move, and decreased appetite. As the illness progresses, spasms of the legs, head, and neck may occur. Transmission of the virus is oral both directly from duck to duck and indirectly in the environment. The incubation period is 24-hours and ducklings usually die within 3-4 days after infection. Duck viral hepatitis is a reportable disease in the United States. If you suspect that your ducks may have it, contact your poultry veterinarian or state veterinary office for assistance.

Treatment

Since duck viral hepatitis is caused by a virus, antibiotics will not be helpful for the disease itself. In some cases, a veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics to treat any secondary bacterial infections while an animal is sick with a virus.

Supportive therapy includes isolating the sick duck into its own hospital cage away from the rest of your ducks. Keep the infected duck warm and allow easy access to food and water. Little can be done to treat the illness with medications.

Prevention

Isolation of any new ducklings from your existing flock is the most important first step in preventing young ducklings from contracting this disease. Keep your new ducklings away from adult ducks for at least 4 weeks.

A vaccine is available for commercial duck breeding flocks. The vaccine is not readily available for backyard flock owners for small-scale use. Purchasing your ducklings from a commercial hatchery may help ensure that your ducklings have some short-term acquired immunity from their mother.