Goose Diseases: Prevention, Symptoms, and Treatments

Maintaining a healthy flock of geese is crucial for sustainable production. A well-managed system that prioritizes cleanliness, knowledge, and disease prevention can significantly reduce the occurrence of common goose ailments. This guide outlines prevalent goose diseases, their symptoms, and recommended treatments, emphasizing proactive measures for disease control.

Recommendations for Disease Control and Prevention

Implementing the following practices can greatly contribute to a healthier goose flock:

Pre-purchase Inspection: Carefully examine geese before purchasing and acquire them only from reputable breeders.
Preparation: Ensure adequate, high-quality feed and water are available before new geese arrive.
Hygiene: Maintain cleanliness of feed troughs and drinkers.
Environment: Provide a stress-free environment, free from excessive noise and disturbances.
Flock Management: Avoid introducing birds from external sources into your existing flock. If new geese are necessary, consider establishing a separate flock.
Age Segregation: Keep adult breeders separate from growing geese. Never mix geese of different ages, as younger birds are more susceptible to diseases.
Medication and Vaccination: Administer timely vaccines and medications at the correct dosage.
Inspection Protocol: When inspecting your flock, always move from the youngest to the oldest birds.
Isolation of Sick Birds: Immediately isolate any sick geese to prevent further spread of infection.
Disposal of Dead Birds: Safely dispose of deceased geese through incineration or burial. Submit carcasses to a veterinary laboratory for prompt diagnosis.
Biosecurity: Limit visitors to the farm and ensure any visitors do not come into contact with other geese for at least 14 days prior to their visit. Implement protocols for protective clothing for visitors.
Transport Hygiene: Ensure buyers do not bring unclean crates or boxes onto the farm for transporting geese.
Building and Equipment Disinfection: Thoroughly clean and disinfect buildings and equipment between flocks to reduce the number of infectious organisms.
Wild Bird Control: Keep wild birds out of goose pens as much as possible.
Record Keeping: Maintain complete and accurate records at all times.

Common Goose Diseases

Aspergillosis (Brooder Pneumonia)

This fungal infection, caused by Aspergillus species, primarily affects the lungs of young goslings, often contracted during hatching from contaminated incubator equipment or eggs.

Symptoms: Difficulty and accelerated breathing, rattling or gurgling noises, depression, and potentially high mortality. Nervous symptoms, increased thirst, and diarrhea may also occur.
Treatment: Clean hatching facilities, implement a strong sanitation program, and fumigate hatching eggs. Remove and destroy moldy feed and litter. Disinfect buildings with a 1:2000 copper sulfate solution. Medications like Nystatin and Amphotericin-B are effective. A low-cost alternative involves administering 5% potassium iodide in drinking water for three days, followed by a two-day break and another three-day treatment.

Avian Adenovirus

While isolated from geese, the exact role of Avian Adenovirus Group 1 in goose health is unclear, and it is not considered a significant problem. No vaccine is available.

Chlamydiosis (Psittacosis)

Caused by Chlamydophila psittaci, this bacterial infection is rare in geese but poses a public health risk as it is transmissible to humans and other animals.

Symptoms: Mild respiratory difficulties, conjunctivitis, sinus inflammation, rhinitis, diarrhea, and breast muscle atrophy.
Treatment: Tetracyclines are the preferred antibiotics. If salmonellosis is a complicating factor, a combination of antibiotics may be necessary.

Coccidiosis

Geese can be affected by two types: renal coccidiosis (Eimeria truncata) and intestinal coccidiosis (Eimeria anseris). While generally not a major problem, severe cases can occur.

Symptoms:
- Renal: Depression, weakness, diarrhea with whitish feces, anorexia, dull eyes, drooped wings. Diagnosis confirmed by identifying oocysts in the kidneys and cloaca.
- Intestinal: Anorexia, unsteady gait, debility, diarrhea, and enlarged small intestine filled with reddish-brown fluid.
Treatment: Sulphonamide drugs and coccidiostats are used. Waterfowl tolerate most coccidiostats used for chickens, including amprolium, clopidol, and lasalocid, among others. Halofuginone and arprinocid are not tolerated.

Cryptosporidiosis

This protozoan disease, caused by Cryptosporidium, affects both the respiratory and intestinal tracts. Its incidence appears to be increasing.

Symptoms:
- Respiratory: Depression, sneezing, respiratory distress, and moderate mortality.
- Digestive: Diarrhea and potentially high mortality in young birds.
Treatment: No effective drugs are currently available for prevention or treatment. Good sanitation is crucial for prevention. Recovered birds may develop immunity, but no vaccine exists.

Derzy’s Disease (Parvovirus Disease)

A highly contagious viral disease affecting young geese, also known as Goose Plague or Goose Hepatitis. It can cause up to 100% mortality in very young goslings.

Symptoms: Morbidity (anorexia, prostration) and mortality in goslings under one week. Older birds may show anorexia, increased thirst, weakness, nasal and ocular discharge, swollen eyelids, and profuse white diarrhea.
Treatment: No direct treatment exists. Maternal immunity provides protection for the first 2-3 weeks. Vaccination is recommended. Goslings should be vaccinated around two weeks of age. Breeder birds require revaccination before laying and at subsequent laying periods. If parent flocks are unvaccinated, goslings may need serum injections followed by vaccination.

Duck Virus Enteritis (DVE)

An acute, contagious herpesvirus infection that rarely affects geese significantly. Transmission is direct or indirect through contaminated environments.

Symptoms: Dependent on various factors, lesions are associated with vascular damage, gastrointestinal tract hemorrhages, and lymphoid tissue lesions.
Treatment: No treatment available, but effective vaccines have been developed.

Erysipelas

A sudden bacterial infection caused by Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, uncommon in geese but economically significant in turkeys. It is zoonotic.

Symptoms: Depression, diarrhea, sudden death, and signs of generalized septicemia.
Treatment: Penicillin and an erysipelas bacterin. Routine vaccination is not generally recommended unless the disease is prevalent in the area.

Flukes (Trematodes)

Flat, leaf-like parasitic organisms. While generally not a problem, geese with access to natural water sources may ingest intermediate hosts (aquatic snails).

Symptoms: Flukes can invade various organs. The oviduct fluke (Prosthogonimus ovatus) can lead to flukes in eggs.
Treatment: Remove birds from the source of infection if intermediate hosts are identified.

(Source: Guy, 1996)

Fowl Cholera (Pasteurellosis)

A contagious bacterial disease caused by Pasteurella multocida, to which geese are highly susceptible.

Symptoms: Acute form: sudden death with symptoms appearing shortly before. Chronic form: localized infections. Lesions often affect the heart, pericardium, and air sacs.
Treatment: Good sanitation and separation from other birds are key. Vaccination is recommended in affected areas. Sulphonamides (e.g., sulphamethazine) and certain antibiotics (e.g., tetracyclines, penicillin) can be used to control outbreaks.

Leucocytozoonosis

A parasitic disease affecting blood cells and internal organs, caused by Leucocytozoon simondi. Uncommon in geese, but outbreaks can occur.

Symptoms: Diagnosed by microscopic observation of gametocytes in blood or schizonts in tissue.
Treatment: Drug treatment has had limited success. Control involves eliminating insect carriers like black flies and midges.

Listeriosis

A bacterial disease caused by Listeria monocytogenes, found in feces and soil, potentially affecting geese kept on pasture.

Symptoms: Septicemia with necrotic areas in the liver and heart, encephalitis in young geese, emaciation, and diarrhea.
Treatment: Prevention involves eliminating the source of infection. High levels of tetracyclines are typically recommended due to antibiotic resistance.

Mycoplasma Infections

Caused by Mycoplasma organisms, these infections can reduce egg production and fertility in breeder flocks. Young goslings may experience reduced growth and respiratory issues.

Symptoms: Reduced egg production and fertility, phallus necrosis (venereal disease), reduced growth, and respiratory/air sac infections in young goslings.
Treatment: Ensure breeding stock is Mycoplasma-free. Dipping hatching eggs in a tylosin solution can help. Infected goslings can be treated with tetracycline or tylosin in their drinking water.

Mycosis of the Digestive Tract

Caused by Candida albicans, this is rare in geese except in force-fed birds where esophageal inflammation can allow fungal entry.

Symptoms: Unsatisfactory growth, stuntedness, listlessness, ruffled feathers, and whitish deposits in the crop.
Treatment: Eliminate unhygienic and overcrowded conditions. Copper sulfate in drinking water has variable results. Sodium bicarbonate in drinking water can create an unfavorable environment for the fungus. Nystatin or Amphotericin in feed may be effective.

Mycotoxicoses

Diseases caused by mycotoxins, often from moldy feedstuffs. Diagnosis can be complex.

Symptoms: T-2 toxin can cause feed refusal, reduced activity, increased water consumption, decreased egg production, and reduced hatchability. Zearalenone can cause immediate fertility drops and permanent testicular damage in ganders.
Treatment: Remove contaminated feed immediately and provide fresh feed. Prevention involves ensuring purchased feedstuffs are mycotoxin-free.

(Source: Vanyi et al., 1992)

Necrotic Enteritis

Caused by Clostridium perfringens, this disease can occur in geese, though not with high incidence.

Symptoms: Severe depression, decreased appetite, reluctance to move, diarrhea, and ruffled feathers. Rapid death can occur due to enterotoxemia and intestinal necrosis.
Treatment: Prevention is key by avoiding stress and digestive tract irritants. Antibiotics such as lincomycin, bacitracin, and oxytetracycline can be effective if the disease appears.

Nematodes (Roundworms)

The most significant helminth parasites of poultry. While Ascaridia are not usually problematic in geese, Capillaria and Heterakis species can cause issues. Amidostomum anseris is common.

Symptoms: Lethargy. Confirmation via presence of eggs or worms in feces or during autopsy. Amidostomum anseris infects the gizzard lining, causing discoloration.
Treatment: Good management, including pasture rotation and regular litter changes, is essential. Anthelmintic drugs like cambendazole, pyrantel, and mebendazole are effective against Amidostomum anseris. Hygromycin B and coumaphos in feed are effective against Ascaridia, Capillaria, and Heterakis.

Nephritic Hemorrhagic Enteritis (NEHO)

Prevalent in southwestern France, this disease affects geese aged 4-20 weeks and can cause high mortality. Poor management, excessive protein, sudden diet changes, poor water quality, and parasite infections may contribute.

Symptoms: Unsteadiness, difficulty rising, erratic movements, diarrhea, trembling, and death. Urates and hemorrhages in kidneys, subcutaneous swelling, and intestinal parasites are characteristic lesions.
Treatment: Good management practices, balanced rations, and parasite control are crucial preventative measures. Injecting homologous serum, renal tonics, and liver detoxicants can help manage outbreaks.

Newcastle Disease

Caused by a Paramyxovirus isolated from geese. Clinical signs are rare but can include greenish diarrhea and central nervous system disorders. Geese often act as asymptomatic carriers. Vaccination is generally not performed for geese.

Paratyphoid (Salmonellosis)

An important disease in geese, particularly those under six weeks old. Increased awareness due to its zoonotic potential. Spread through contact with infected birds, feces, or contaminated equipment.

Symptoms: In birds under six weeks: standing in one position, lowered head, closed eyes, dropping wings, ruffled feathers, anorexia, increased water consumption, watery diarrhea, pasty vent, and huddling near heat.
Treatment: Strict management and sanitation of breeders, hatching, and rearing processes are vital. Frequent egg collection, cleaning, and fumigation are paramount. Rodent control is also important. Sulphonamides, antibiotics, and nitrofurans can be used for treatment.

Riemerella anatipestifer Infection

A contagious disease affecting various domestic birds, including geese. Infections can originate from other species.

Symptoms: Ocular and nasal discharge, mild coughing and sneezing, greenish diarrhea, uncoordinated movement, neck and head tremors, and coma. Recovered birds are resistant to re-infection.
Treatment: Sulphonamides and antibiotics effective against Pasteurella multocida are generally effective. Vaccines are available, primarily for ducks but expected to be effective for geese.

Pseudotuberculosis

Caused by Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, it is not a common disease in geese.

Symptoms: Acute septicemia, difficulty breathing, weakness, dull and ruffled feathers, and diarrhea. Diagnosis requires isolation and identification of the causative agent.
Treatment: Chloramphenicol, streptomycin, and tetracycline have been used effectively in some species.

Reticuloendotheliosis

Caused by REV group retroviruses, this disease is rare in geese and characterized by poor growth and abnormal feathering. Viruses have been isolated from tumors in geese. No vaccine is available due to low incidence and economic importance.

Spirochetosis

A tick-borne disease caused by Borrelia anserina. It can range from mild to severe, with mortality rates varying widely.

Symptoms: Morbidity and mortality are variable. Signs of tick infestation on birds or in their environment are indicative.
Treatment: Vaccination is the preferred control method in endemic areas. Maternal immunity protects offspring for 5-6 weeks. Antibiotics like penicillin, tetracyclines, and streptomycin are effective during outbreaks.

Staphylococcosis

Caused by Staphylococcus aureus, it is generally a secondary infection and rare in geese. It is transmissible to humans.

Symptoms: Infections typically affect bones, tendon sheaths, and leg joints, but can occur elsewhere.
Treatment: Antibiotics such as penicillin, streptomycin, and tetracycline are effective.

Streptococcosis

Caused by various Streptococcus species. While rare in geese, Streptococcus mutans has been identified as a cause of mortality.

Symptoms: Acute form: septicemia, depression, lethargy, diarrhea, head tremors, or sudden death. Chronic form: weight loss, lameness, and head tremors.
Treatment: Reduce stress and practice proper sanitation. Antibiotics like penicillin and tetracycline can be used.

Tapeworms

Over 1,400 species exist, with control primarily achieved by managing intermediate hosts. Tapeworms are generally not a significant problem in goose production, especially with confinement or effective pasture rotation.

Symptoms: Poor performance. Accurate diagnosis requires isolation and identification of the worm.
Treatment: Separate geese from intermediate hosts by confinement or pasture rotation, and isolate them from natural waterways. Drugs like butynorate and niclosamide can be effective.

Trichomoniasis

A protozoan disease mainly affecting mature geese in breeder flocks, transmitted through water and feed.

Symptoms: Reduced reproductive performance and weight loss. Droppings can be monitored for the protozoan.
Treatment: Isolate sick birds if the disease has not spread widely. Nitrofurazon, metronidazole, and dimetridazole are effective.

Venereal Diseases

Associated with bacteria like Neisseria, Mycoplasma, and Candida albicans, primarily affecting ganders. Mycoplasma appears to be the main infective agent.

Symptoms: Swelling and inflammation of the phallus base, extending to the cloaca, leading to necrosis, ulceration, and scarring, rendering reproduction impossible.
Treatment: Good management of breeder flocks is essential. Treatment involves antibiotics effective against mycoplasma, such as tylosin and tetracycline, following sensitivity tests.

Conclusions and Guidelines

Sustainable goose production hinges on maintaining sanitary conditions. While some diseases can be severe, many are less problematic for geese than for other poultry species. Proactive management is key to prevention.

Growing Geese:

General: Ensure clean, disinfected housing with proper temperature and ventilation. Provide adequate food and water. Practice pasture rotation and maintain recommended stocking densities. Regularly observe flock behavior and health.
Medical Prophylactics:
- Derzy’s Disease: Vaccinate goslings from protected breeders before four weeks of age. Unprotected goslings may require serum injections and vaccination.
- Cholera: Three vaccinations at six, ten, and 20 weeks of age.
- Parasites: Treat for worms every six weeks for birds on deep litter and pasture. Monitor feces monthly for parasites.
- Supplements: Consider vitamin and mineral supplements every two weeks up to ten weeks of age, and during periods of stress.

Breeding Geese:

All medical treatments should be completed before the first egg is laid, including treatments for parasites, Mycoplasma, Salmonella, and vaccinations for Cholera and Derzy’s disease.
Monitor egg production, fertility, and hatch rates weekly. Any decrease may indicate the onset of a disease, even in apparently healthy birds. Prompt identification and treatment of any disease are crucial for maintaining reproductive performance.

Bird Health