Infectious Coryza
A fast-spreading bacterial respiratory infection that causes swollen faces, smelly discharge, and one-sided sinus swelling. Recovered birds often stay lifetime carriers.
Mix of AI illustrations and anonymized real cases shared by community keepers. Visual severity varies by bird, age, and stage.
Symptoms
- Swollen face or wattles
- Discharge from eyes or nostrils
- Sneezing / coughing
- Foul-smelling discharge
- One-sided facial swelling
- Lethargic / not moving
Treatment
Isolate the affected bird immediately. Most cases need antibiotics from a vet (sulfa drugs, tetracyclines, or erythromycin are common choices). Keep the bird warm, dry, and well hydrated. Clean nostrils with warm saline if crusted. Do not introduce recovered birds into a clean flock, they remain carriers.
Prevention
Quarantine all new birds for at least 30 days. Keep the coop dry and well ventilated. Disinfect feeders and waterers weekly. Do not mix flocks at swaps or shows without a quarantine. Cull or permanently isolate recovered carriers if you want to keep the rest of the flock clean.
Typical recovery
14 to 30 days with prompt care.