The drugs make up an unassociated list of chemicals, and a great many are specific for a certain disease or for a group of similar diseases. New ones come on the market regularly and many others are in the process of experimentation. Drugs must reach the pathogenic microscopic organisms in the bird to be effective. Most drugs kill on contact, weaken the organism, or upset its life cycle. Drugs may be administered through the feed, in water, or by injection.
Most drugs are chemicals that disrupt the life cycle of the organism involved.
As most of the drugs are quantitative, their activity is determined by the amount administered to the bird. To be effective, the manufacturer's recommended dosage must be used. Any dilution will not produce the results anticipated. Some drugs produce excellent results from a disease prevention standpoint, but can have a harmful effect on the bird. Therefore, do not administer more than the recommended amount of any drug.