18/07/2025
POULTRY DISEASES THAT CAN AFFECT HUMANS (Zoonotic Diseases)
By Vukeni Christopher Ojja, Freelance Poultry Consultant, Juba, South Sudan
Poultry production is an essential livelihood source in South Sudan and across Africa, providing both food and income to millions of households. However, poultry farming, when not managed properly, can also pose health risks to humans due to zoonotic diseases — diseases that are transmitted from animals to people. Zoonotic diseases can be spread through direct contact with infected birds, their droppings, secretions, or through consumption of undercooked meat and eggs. With the increasing integration of poultry farming into communities and the rising demand for poultry products, it is crucial to understand the key diseases that can transfer from chickens to humans and how to prevent them.
This article highlights some of the most common zoonotic diseases associated with poultry and outlines practical prevention measures. These insights aim to empower poultry farmers, traders, handlers, and consumers to improve biosecurity and reduce health risks in South Sudan and beyond.
1. Salmonella
Salmonella is one of the most well-known and widespread zoonotic diseases linked to poultry. It is caused by Salmonella bacteria, which naturally live in the intestines of chickens and other birds.
Transmission:
Humans can contract salmonella by:
Consuming undercooked or raw eggs and chicken meat.
Handling infected chickens or coming into contact with contaminated droppings, cages, or feed without proper hygiene.
Cross-contamination during food preparation.
Symptoms in Humans:
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Abdominal cramps
Fever
Headache
Symptoms typically begin 6 to 72 hours after infection and may last up to a week. While healthy individuals recover without medical treatment, the infection can be serious for the elderly, children, or people with weakened immune systems.
2. Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
Avian Influenza, also known as Bird Flu, is a viral disease of birds, but some strains — particularly H5N1 and H7N9 — have been known to infect humans with severe consequences.
Transmission:
Close contact with live or dead infected poultry.
Inhalation of airborne particles from feathers, dust, or droppings.
Touching contaminated surfaces like feeding troughs, cages, or waterers.
Symptoms in Humans:
High fever (above 38°C)
Severe cough
Muscle aches
Sore throat
Difficulty breathing
In severe cases, pneumonia or respiratory failure
Avian influenza outbreaks can result in mass bird deaths and human fatalities. In countries like Egypt and China, past outbreaks have caused serious public health concerns. Fortunately, in South Sudan, no widespread outbreaks have been reported, but the risk remains due to cross-border poultry trade and limited surveillance.
3. Campylobacteriosis (caused by Campylobacter bacteria)
Campylobacter is a common bacterial pathogen found in poultry intestines. The bacteria can contaminate raw chicken meat and water sources, especially in unhygienic poultry operations.
Transmission:
Eating undercooked chicken meat.
Handling raw chicken or waste without washing hands properly.
Drinking contaminated water or using unclean utensils.
Symptoms in Humans:
Diarrhea (often bloody)
Stomach cramps
Fever
Nausea and vomiting
Malaise
Although the illness usually lasts less than a week, complications such as dehydration or more severe conditions like Guillain-Barré Syndrome may occur in rare cases.
4. Escherichia coli (E. coli) Infections
E. coli is a bacterium that normally lives in the gut of healthy chickens but certain strains can cause severe disease in humans, especially when sanitation is poor.
Transmission:
Contact with contaminated chicken manure, water, or food.
Consumption of undercooked poultry products.
Poor hygiene practices during poultry slaughter or processing.
Symptoms in Humans:
Watery or bloody diarrhea
Stomach cramps
Vomiting
Fatigue
Occasionally, kidney failure (especially in young children)
Improperly handled poultry manure used in gardens or farms can also spread E. coli into vegetables and drinking water sources.
5. Newcastle Disease (Rare in Humans)
Newcastle Disease is a highly contagious viral infection that affects domestic and wild birds. While it rarely affects humans, it poses a serious threat to poultry production due to its high mortality in birds.
Transmission to Humans:
Inhalation of droplets or dust from infected poultry environments.
Direct contact with secretions from infected birds (especially during slaughter or vaccination).
Symptoms in Humans:
Mild conjunctivitis (eye inflammation)
Low-grade fever
Slight respiratory symptoms
The disease is generally self-limiting in humans, but it can still cause discomfort and may spread among poultry workers if precautions are not observed.
Preventive Measures to Protect Human and Poultry Health
The best way to prevent zoonotic diseases from spreading from poultry to humans is through rigorous hygiene, responsible farming practices, and awareness. Here are key preventive actions every poultry farmer and consumer should adopt:
1. Maintain Good Personal Hygiene
Always wash your hands with soap and clean water after handling chickens, cleaning coops, or collecting eggs.
Avoid touching your mouth, nose, or eyes while working in poultry environments.
Change and wash clothes after working with poultry, especially before handling food.
2. Proper Cooking of Poultry Products
Cook chicken meat to an internal temperature of at least 75°C (165°F).
Boil or fry eggs until both the white and yolk are firm.
Avoid tasting raw batter containing eggs.
3. Improve Poultry Housing Hygiene
Clean coops and feeding equipment regularly using disinfectants.
Prevent overcrowding, which can promote disease spread.
Ensure good ventilation and dryness in poultry shelters.
4. Use Protective Gear
Wear gloves, masks, and boots when handling sick birds, cleaning droppings, or doing vaccinations.
Use eye protection when dealing with dust or spraying disinfectants.
5. Vaccinate Poultry Regularly
Follow a recommended vaccination schedule to protect your flock against diseases such as Newcastle Disease and Avian Influenza.
Seek support from trained veterinary workers or community animal health workers.
6. Avoid Buying or Selling Sick Birds
Always observe birds for signs of illness before purchasing.
Isolate new birds before mixing them with your existing flock.
Report mass bird deaths to local authorities or veterinary services promptly.
Final Thoughts
Raising chickens is a rewarding activity that supports food security and income generation, particularly in South Sudan where access to animal protein is limited. However, it is essential to remember that poor poultry practices can expose farmers and communities to serious health risks. Understanding the diseases that can spread from poultry to humans and taking simple preventive measures can help protect your family, neighbors, and the wider community.
As poultry farming continues to grow in South Sudan, more investment is needed in public awareness, disease surveillance, and veterinary extension services. Community sensitization, proper training, and enforcement of food safety standards will go a long way in promoting safer and healthier poultry production systems.
For more tips on poultry health, disease prevention, and farm management, follow Juba Poultry Consult — your reliable partner in poultry success.
Prepared by Vukeni Christopher Ojja, Freelance Poultry Consultant, Juba, South Sudan