Common Health Conditions in Ducks

Ducks are hardy, adaptable birds and a joy to keep, whether in a backyard pond, smallholding, or larger farm setting. While generally more disease-resistant than chickens, they are not immune to health problems. Early diagnosis, good husbandry practices, and preventive measures can make all the difference in maintaining a healthy flock.

This guide provides detailed information on the most common and rare duck health conditions, including symptoms, causes, treatment options, and prevention strategies.

Bumblefoot

Overview

Bumblefoot (pododermatitis) is a bacterial infection of the foot, usually caused by a cut, scrape, or continuous pressure on the footpad.

Symptoms

• Limping or reluctance to walk
• Swollen, warm footpad
• Dark scab or abscess on the bottom of the foot

Causes

• Rough or hard surfaces
• Excessive weight
• Dirty bedding or standing water

Treatment

• Clean and disinfect the wound
• Apply antibiotic ointment and bandage
• In advanced cases, surgical removal of abscess may be needed

Prevention

• Provide soft, dry bedding
• Avoid sharp surfaces
• Keep living area clean and dry

Respiratory Infections

Overview

Respiratory diseases can be bacterial, viral, or fungal in origin and are more common in cold, damp, or poorly ventilated conditions.

Symptoms

• Sneezing or coughing
• Nasal discharge
• Laboured breathing or wheezing
• Lethargy and loss of appetite

Causes

• Poor ventilation
• Ammonia build-up
• Sudden changes in temperature
• Contaminated water

Treatment

• Supportive care (warmth, hydration, rest)
• Veterinary antibiotics if bacterial
• Isolate sick birds

Prevention

• Ensure dry, draft-free housing with good ventilation
• Change bedding regularly
• Provide clean water daily

Botulism

Overview

Botulism is a life-threatening condition caused by toxins from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, usually ingested from decaying organic matter.

Symptoms

• Weakness and flaccid paralysis
• Limp neck (limberneck)
• Inability to walk or lift head
• Rapid death if untreated

Causes

• Ingesting contaminated water or feed
• Access to decomposing animal carcasses or vegetation

Treatment

• Administer antitoxin if available
• Supportive care: fluids, warmth
• Immediate vet assistance required

Prevention

• Remove decaying organic material and dead animals from the environment
• Prevent access to stagnant water

Wet Feather

Overview

Wet feather is a condition where a duck’s waterproofing fails, leaving feathers waterlogged and the bird cold and uncomfortable.

Symptoms

• Feathers appear dull, clumped, or soggy
• Bird avoids water or struggles to float
• Shivering or weight loss

Causes

• Over-preening or stress
• Oil gland dysfunction
• Poor water quality or lack of clean bathing water

Treatment

• Dry the duck thoroughly
• Allow access to clean water for bathing
• Feed high-quality diet with added omega-3 oils
• In severe cases, consult a vet

Prevention

• Provide clean, deep water for bathing daily
• Reduce stress and overcrowding
• Offer high-quality feed

Niacin Deficiency

Overview

Niacin (vitamin B3) is crucial for duckling development, particularly for healthy leg and joint formation.

Symptoms

• Weak legs or inability to stand
• Bowed legs
• Reluctance to walk or constant sitting
• Lameness or “splayed leg” in ducklings

Causes

• Inadequate diet (especially chick starter feed, which lacks niacin)
• Poor absorption in some genetic lines

Treatment

• Supplement with brewer’s yeast or niacin tablets (no-flush, plain form)
• Adjust feed to include appropriate duck rations

Prevention

• Use waterfowl-specific or niacin-fortified feed
• Add brewer’s yeast to chick starter if using for ducklings

Avian Influenza

Overview

Avian flu is a notifiable viral disease with severe impacts on both domestic and wild birds.

Symptoms

• Sudden death
• Swollen head or eyes
• Respiratory signs
• Nervous signs (tremors, twisted neck)
• Diarrhoea

Transmission

• Spread by wild birds, faeces, or contaminated water

Treatment

• No treatment; notify authorities immediately
• Infected birds may be culled to prevent spread

Prevention

• Avoid contact with wild birds
• Keep feed and water sources covered
• Practise strict hygiene and biosecurity

Parasites (External and Internal)

Overview

Ducks can suffer from both external parasites (lice, mites) and internal worms (roundworms, flatworms).

Symptoms

• Feather loss or excessive preening
• Weight loss despite good appetite
• Dirty vent area
• Diarrhoea or poor condition

Causes

• Poor coop hygiene
• Overcrowding
• Contaminated water or feed

Treatment

• Deworming using waterfowl-safe products
• Dust baths with diatomaceous earth
• Clean coop and nesting areas thoroughly

Prevention

• Routine parasite checks
• Rotate pasture or foraging areas
• Maintain clean, dry housing

Aspergillosis

Overview

Aspergillosis is a fungal infection caused by inhaling spores, particularly from mouldy feed or bedding.

Symptoms

• Laboured breathing or gasping
• Lethargy and inappetence
• Weight loss
• Sudden death in young ducklings

Causes

• Mouldy straw or feed
• Damp conditions

Treatment

• No definitive cure, but antifungal medication may help
• Supportive care to improve respiratory function

Prevention

• Store feed in dry, sealed containers
• Use clean, dry bedding
• Avoid overcrowding

Egg Binding

Overview

Egg binding occurs when a duck is unable to lay an egg, which can quickly become fatal.

Symptoms

• Straining or sitting abnormally
• Fluffed feathers
• Lethargy
• Swollen abdomen

Causes

• Poor calcium levels
• Obesity
• Large or malformed eggs

Treatment

• Warm bath and gentle massage
• Administer calcium supplement
• Vet assistance if egg cannot be passed

Prevention

• Balanced diet with sufficient calcium
• Avoid overfeeding
• Provide quiet, safe nesting areas

Angel Wing

Overview

Angel wing is a musculoskeletal condition in growing ducks where wing joints twist outward.

Symptoms

• Primary feathers stick out laterally
• Wing appears deformed
• May affect one or both wings

Causes

• High-protein diet during rapid growth
• Genetics and overfeeding

Treatment

• Reduce protein levels in feed
• Splint wings if caught early
• May be permanent if untreated

Prevention

• Feed balanced grower rations, not high-protein chick starter
• Monitor growth in ducklings

Lead Poisoning

Overview

Lead poisoning occurs when ducks ingest lead from the environment, such as fishing tackle or old paint.

Symptoms

• Weakness and lethargy
• Green diarrhoea
• Drooping wings
• Loss of coordination
• Death

Treatment

• Chelation therapy from a vet
• Supportive care (fluids, warmth)

Prevention

• Remove sources of lead from environment
• Keep foraging areas clean and safe

Riemerella Anatipestifer Infection

Overview

Also known as "new duck disease", this bacterial infection primarily affects young ducklings.

Symptoms

• Respiratory distress
• Twisted neck or tremors
• Lameness
• Watery diarrhoea
• Sudden death

Transmission

• Contaminated water and bedding
• Direct contact between birds

Treatment

• Broad-spectrum antibiotics from a vet
• Supportive care

Prevention

• Maintain hygiene in brooding areas
• Reduce stress and overcrowding

Duck Virus Enteritis (Duck Plague)

Overview

Duck plague is a lethal, contagious disease caused by a herpesvirus.

Symptoms

• Watery green diarrhoea
• Drooping wings
• Nasal discharge
• Blood-stained vents
• Sudden death

Transmission

• Spread by direct contact or water contaminated by wild ducks

Treatment

• No known cure
• Immediate isolation and reporting required

Prevention

• Vaccination available in endemic areas
• Secure ponds and reduce wild bird exposure

Tembusu Virus (Duck Egg Drop Syndrome)

Overview

Tembusu virus causes a sudden and significant drop in egg production, mainly in layers.

Symptoms

• Sharp decline in egg production
• Soft-shelled or shell-less eggs
• Weakness and reduced feed intake

Transmission

• Mosquito-borne virus
• Can also spread via faeces

Treatment

• No specific treatment
• Supportive care and vitamins

Prevention

• Mosquito control
• Biosecurity in breeding flocks

Pasteurellosis (Fowl Cholera)

Overview

Pasteurellosis is a contagious bacterial disease with acute and chronic forms.

Symptoms

• Swollen wattles
• Mucus discharge from mouth or nostrils
• Lameness
• Sudden death in acute cases

Treatment

• Antibiotics (e.g. sulphonamides, tetracyclines)
• Supportive care

Prevention

• Vaccination
• Pest control and clean water systems

Conclusion

Although ducks are generally robust and self-reliant, they do require attentive care to stay healthy. Proper housing, good hygiene, a balanced diet, and fresh, clean water are your best defences against most illnesses. Observing your flock daily for changes in behaviour, appetite, or appearance can help you catch problems early.

Rare diseases do occur, and while less common, they can be devastating to an unprepared flock. When in doubt, always consult a vet with experience in avian or waterfowl health. Your vigilance will not only protect your birds but also ensure a long, happy life for them in your care.