Benefits Of Lactotherapy In The Palliative Treatment Of Avian Pox In Backyard Chicken

Abstract

Bird pox is a viral disease that severely affects the health of birds and poses a challenge to poultry farming, especially in backyard production systems. This disease not only compromises the welfare of chickens, but also negatively impacts the economy of rural communities that depend on poultry farming. The main objective of the study was to determine the benefits of lactotherapy as a treatment for this disease, seeking to minimize economic losses. A quasi-experimental study was carried out on farms of affected chickens, with two groups: an experimental group that received lactotherapy using fermented dairy products, and a control group that maintained its usual diet. Mortality rate, recovery from clinical symptoms, and food and water intake were assessed using statistical analyses. The findings revealed a 20% reduction in mortality in the lactotherapy group (30% in control vs. 10% in experimental), as well as a 30% improvement in symptom recovery and a 30% increase in feed and water intake. In addition, a 50% increase in the profitability of the group that received lactotherapy was observed. In conclusion, lactotherapy proved to be effective in improving the health of infected chickens and contributing to the economic sustainability of producers, suggesting that this intervention could be a viable strategy in the management of avian pox.