Poultry farming comes with numerous challenges, and one of the less-discussed but highly contagious skin infections is Favus, also known as avian ringworm. This disease affects a variety of domesticated birds, including chickens, turkeys, ducks, quails, and other fowl.
Favus is caused by Microsporum gallinae, a fungus that attacks the skin, comb, wattles, and feathers of birds. The disease often starts with white powdery spots on the face, later spreading to other parts of the body. Over time, favus leads to feather loss, thickened skin, and secondary infections, which can significantly impact the bird’s health and productivity.
Poultry farmers must be vigilant, as favus is not just a bird problem—it is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can spread to humans. If you handle infected birds without protective measures, you could develop red, itchy rashes on your hands or arms.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll cover:
✅ What Favus Is & How It Affects Poultry
✅ Causes of Favus & How It Spreads
✅ Recognizing Symptoms Early
✅ How to Prevent Favus in Your Flock
✅ Best Home Remedies & Veterinary Treatments
✅ How to Stop It from Spreading to Other Birds & Humans
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear action plan to protect your flock, prevent outbreaks, and ensure healthy birds.
What is Favus (Avian Ringworm)?
Favus is a fungal skin infection affecting poultry, primarily caused by the fungus Microsporum gallinae. The infection primarily affects:
✔ Comb & Wattles – White, scaly lesions form in the early stages.
✔ Feathers – Infected birds lose feathers, and their skin becomes thick and crusty.
✔ Legs & Feet – In severe cases, lesions spread to the shanks and toes.
How Dangerous is Favus in Poultry?
Favus is not usually fatal, but it weakens birds, making them susceptible to:
🔴 Malnutrition – Infected birds eat less due to stress and discomfort.
🔴 Secondary Infections – Weakened skin is prone to bacterial infections.
🔴 Egg Production Decline – Sick hens lay fewer eggs.
🔴 Weight Loss & Stunted Growth – Affected birds struggle to gain weight.
If left untreated, favus can spread throughout the entire flock, making treatment much more difficult.
Causes of Favus in Poultry
Favus spreads quickly in unsanitary and overcrowded conditions. Let’s break down the key causes:
🔬 Primary Causes of Favus
1️⃣ Poor Coop Hygiene – A dirty, damp, and unventilated coop encourages fungal growth.
2️⃣ Direct Contact with Infected Birds – The fungus spreads via touch, shared perches, or feeders.
3️⃣ Humid Weather & Poor Ventilation – Fungi thrive in warm, damp environments.
4️⃣ Weakened Immune System – Malnourished or stressed birds are more vulnerable.
5️⃣ Rodents & Wild Birds – These animals can introduce fungal spores into coops.
6️⃣ Contaminated Equipment – The fungus lives on waterers, feeders, and nesting boxes.
💡 Fun Fact: The favus fungus can survive for months in the environment, meaning past infections can cause future outbreaks if the coop isn’t properly cleaned.
Symptoms of Favus in Poultry
🟢 Early Symptoms (Mild Stage):
🔹 White powdery patches appear on the comb, wattles, or face.
🔹 Mild feather loss in affected areas.
🔹 Slight itching (birds may rub their heads against objects).
🟠 Intermediate Symptoms (Moderate Stage):
🔸 Lesions expand and form thick, crusty scales.
🔸 Yellow or grayish patches replace white spots.
🔸 Feathers begin to fall in larger patches.
🔸 Birds may lose appetite due to stress.
🔴 Severe Symptoms (Advanced Stage):
🔺 Infection spreads to legs, wings, and body.
🔺 Thickened skin cracks and bleeds.
🔺 Birds show weight loss, weakness, and lethargy.
🔺 Egg-laying stops completely in laying hens.
🔺 Severe infections may lead to respiratory distress.
💡 Tip: Favus is easier to treat in the early stages. The longer you wait, the harder it is to cure!
How to Diagnose Favus in Poultry
If you suspect a favus infection, use these diagnostic methods:
🔎 Visual Inspection – Look for white, scaly patches on the head.
🦠 Microscopic Examination – A vet can test a skin sample for fungal spores.
🔦 Wood’s Lamp Test – The fungus glows yellow-green under UV light.
How to Prevent Favus in Poultry
✅ Hygiene & Sanitation Tips
- Disinfect the coop regularly with antifungal sprays.
- Use lime powder on the ground to prevent fungal growth.
- Keep the bedding dry and fresh at all times.
✅ Improve Coop Ventilation
- Ensure proper airflow to keep humidity levels low.
- Allow direct sunlight into the coop, as UV rays kill fungi.
✅ Isolate Infected Birds Immediately
- Quarantine sick birds in a separate area.
- Clean and disinfect everything the infected bird touched.
✅ Boost Poultry Immunity
- Feed birds high-quality feed rich in vitamins A, D, and E.
- Add garlic, turmeric, and apple cider vinegar to drinking water.
Best Treatments for Favus in Poultry
🔹 Home Remedies (For Mild Cases)
✔ Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) – Natural antifungal properties; add 1 tbsp per liter of water.
✔ Coconut Oil & Tea Tree Oil – Apply directly to infected skin.
✔ Turmeric & Garlic Paste – Helps fight fungal infections.
🔹 Topical Antifungal Treatments
🩹 Miconazole or Clotrimazole Cream – Apply 2-3 times daily.
🩹 Betadine (Povidone-Iodine) – Helps disinfect lesions.
🩹 Copper Sulfate Solution – Used in drinking water to prevent reinfection.
🔹 Veterinary Medications (For Severe Cases)
💊 Ketoconazole or Fluconazole – Oral antifungal drugs prescribed by vets.
💊 Lime Sulfur Dip – Used to kill fungal spores on the skin.
💊 Vitamin Supplements – Strengthens immune response.
FAQs About Favus in Poultry
❓ Can humans get favus from chickens?
✅ Yes, favus is zoonotic. Always wear gloves when handling infected birds.
❓ How long does favus take to heal?
✅ With treatment, mild cases recover in 1-2 weeks, severe cases in 4-6 weeks.
❓ Can I eat eggs from an infected chicken?
✅ Yes, but wash eggs thoroughly before consumption.
Final Thoughts
Favus is a common but preventable disease in poultry. By maintaining strict hygiene, isolating sick birds, and treating infections early, you can protect your flock from serious outbreaks.
💡 Pro Tip: If you see white scaly patches, act fast! The sooner you treat favus, the faster and easier the recovery.
👉 Got questions? Drop them below! 😊