The disease can be treated by the use of certain antibiotics given in the feed. In Australia, this disease is notifiable, but does not have the same impact on poultry as it once did, due to vigorous testing and veterinary intervention. It is found where birds are overcrowded in cold, drafty conditions. Antibiotics are used to clear up this problem. Coryza is another respiratory disease.
Symptoms are swollen eyes, runny nostrils and eyes, with a particularly foul smell.
Birds often show stained wings where they repeatedly wipe their eyes. Antibiotics are used to cure this disease, however recovered birds remain carriers and will become continually reinfected. Some breeds and strains of chickens seem to be more susceptible than others. It is caused by a number of nematodal coccidia which all chickens are normally in contact with. However when conditions become damp and musty, excessive levels of these coccidia infect the caecal tubes if the chicks resulting in sudden death.