Common Avian Diseases Diagnosed in Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Nigeria: A Ten Year (2012–2021) Retrospective Study

Abstract

A ten-year (2012-2021) retrospective study on clinical records of avian diseases presented at the Avian Unit of Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (VTH UDUS) was conducted. A total of 1,990 cases were recorded. Years 2016 and 2020 recorded the highest number of diseases (310 cases, 15.5%) and lowest number of diseases (27 cases, 1.4%) respectively. On age groups, young birds had 1,361 cases (68.4%) while adult birds had 629 cases (31.6%).Infectious diseases accounted for 1,570 cases (78.9%) while 420 cases (21.1%) were non-infectious diseases. The highest prevalence among the infectious diseases was viral diseases and accounted for 743 cases (47.3%) followed by bacterial diseases 567 cases (36.1%), parasitic diseases 242 cases (15.4%) and fungal diseases 18 cases (1.2%). Among the viral diseases, Avian pox was the most recorded disease 372 cases (50.1%), Aspergillosis was the most prevalent fungal disease with 12 cases (66.7%), while Colibacillosis was the most common bacterial disease with 198 cases (34.9%). Lousiness was the most common parasitic disease with 106 cases (43.8%). With 128 cases (30.4%), heat stress was the most prevalent non-infectious condition. Turkeys were the most recorded types of bird (46.2%), while parrots were the least recorded (0.4%). Poor management may be responsible for distribution pattern of cases recorded in the hospital. Birds owners should always consider good management through consulting veterinarians and there should also be periodic assessment of case records in the VTH in order to have regular updates on level of patronage of the hospital and pattern of occurrence of different diseases.