Recognizing and Addressing Respiratory Conditions in Ducks

Ducks are susceptible to various respiratory conditions that can impact their health and well-being. These issues can stem from bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic, or environmental factors. Recognizing the signs early and implementing proper preventive measures can help keep your flock healthy. Let’s take a closer look at the different respiratory conditions in ducks, their causes, and how to prevent them.

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Understanding Duck Respiratory Anatomy in the Context of Respiratory Issues

Ducks have a specialized respiratory system that supports their active and aquatic lifestyles. Air enters through their nares (nostrils) and travels through the nasal passages into the trachea, which is lined with cartilage to keep it open. The trachea splits into bronchi, which lead to the lungs. Ducks also have air sacs that store and circulate air through the lungs, creating a highly efficient, unidirectional airflow system.

This unique system allows ducks to breathe efficiently while swimming or flying, but it also means that respiratory issues can affect ducks at multiple points in their airways, from nasal passages to lungs and air sacs. For example, conditions like gapeworms, bacterial infections, or environmental respiratory issues can block airflow, irritate the airways, or cause inflammation, making it harder for ducks to breathe properly. Understanding the structure of their respiratory system is key to recognizing and addressing these problems.

1. Aspergillosis (Fungal Infection) in Ducks

Cause of Aspergillosis

Aspergillosis is a serious respiratory disease caused by a type of mold called Aspergillus. This mold thrives in damp, warm, and poorly ventilated environments. Ducks can be exposed to Aspergillus spores by breathing in contaminated air, especially in areas with:

• Damp bedding – Wet straw, shavings, or hay can quickly grow mold if not replaced regularly.
• Moldy feed – If duck feed gets wet and sits too long, mold can grow, producing spores that ducks inhale.
• Poor ventilation – Stuffy, enclosed spaces without fresh air allow mold to spread and spores to concentrate in the air.

Once inhaled, these mold spores travel deep into the duck’s lungs and air sacs, causing inflammation, difficulty breathing, and severe respiratory distress.

Symptoms

Ducks with aspergillosis often show signs of breathing problems, which get worse over time. Symptoms include:
🦆 Open-mouth breathing – Ducks may keep their beaks open as they struggle to get enough air.
🦆 Labored breathing – Breathing may seem slow, heavy, or effortful.
🦆 Tail bobbing – The duck’s tail moves up and down with each breath, a sign of respiratory distress.
🦆 Gasping – In severe cases, ducks may appear to gasp for air.
🦆 Increased respiratory rate – Ducks may breathe much faster than usual.

In advanced cases, ducks may also become weak, lose weight, or develop bluish skin due to a lack of oxygen.

Prevention & Treatment

Because aspergillosis has no direct cure, prevention is the best defense against this deadly mold.

✅ Keep bedding and feed dry – Regularly change bedding and store feed in a cool, dry place. Never give ducks moldy or damp food.
✅ Improve ventilation – Make sure the duck house has good airflow to reduce humidity and prevent mold growth.
✅ Remove damp organic material – Regularly clean out wet straw, droppings, and old feed to eliminate mold-friendly conditions.

If a duck does develop aspergillosis, early intervention is key. While there is no guaranteed cure, antifungal medications like itraconazole (prescribed by a vet) may help slow the disease. Providing supportive care, such as keeping the duck warm, reducing stress, and ensuring easy access to food and water, can improve their chances of recovery.

Since aspergillosis is difficult to treat, focusing on prevention through cleanliness and proper ventilation is the best way to protect your flock.

➡️ Read more: Aspergillosis in Ducks: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment

2. Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in Ducks

Cause of Bird Flu in Ducks

Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is a highly contagious viral infection that can spread rapidly among ducks and other birds. It is caused by influenza A viruses, which vary in severity depending on the strain. Some strains cause mild illness, while others can be deadly.

Ducks can catch bird flu through:
🦆 Contact with infected birds – Wild waterfowl, especially migratory birds, are natural carriers of the virus and can spread it to domestic ducks.
🦆 Contaminated surfaces – The virus can survive in water, soil, and on objects like feeders, water bowls, and shoes.
🦆 Airborne transmission – Infected ducks can shed the virus through respiratory droplets, which may infect others nearby.

Because ducks often mingle with wild birds in open water sources, they are at a higher risk of exposure. Some infected ducks may not show symptoms but can still spread the virus to others.

Symptoms of Avian Influenza in Ducks

The severity of avian influenza symptoms depends on the strain of the virus. Some strains cause mild illness, while others can lead to sudden death. Common signs include:

🦆 Respiratory distress – Ducks may struggle to breathe, wheeze, or show signs of labored breathing.
🦆 Reduced egg production – Infected laying ducks may produce fewer eggs or stop laying altogether.
🦆 Sudden death – In severe cases, ducks can die quickly without showing many warning signs.

Other symptoms can include nasal discharge, swelling around the eyes and head, lack of coordination, and extreme lethargy. Some strains also affect the digestive and nervous systems, causing diarrhea or tremors.

Prevention & Treatment of Avian Influenza

There is no specific cure for avian influenza, so prevention is crucial in keeping ducks safe.

✅ Limit contact with wild birds – Since wild waterfowl are common carriers, keep domestic ducks away from ponds or areas where wild birds gather. Cover food and water sources to prevent contamination.
✅ Follow regional vaccination guidelines – In high-risk areas, vaccination programs may be available to help protect flocks from severe outbreaks.
✅ Quarantine new or sick birds – Always isolate new ducks for at least 2–4 weeks before introducing them to your flock. Sick birds should also be separated to prevent the virus from spreading.

If avian influenza is suspected, contact a veterinarian immediately. Infected flocks may need to be reported to agricultural authorities, as outbreaks can have serious consequences for both domestic and wild bird populations. Keeping a clean and biosecure environment is the best way to protect ducks from this dangerous virus.

➡️ Read more: Understanding Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

3. Air Sac Mites in Ducks (Respiratory Acariasis, Tracheal Mites)

Cause of Air Sac Mites

Air sac mites are tiny parasitic mites that infest a duck’s respiratory system, including the trachea, lungs, bronchi, and air sacs. These mites restrict airflow, trigger inflammation, and cause excess mucus buildup, leading to breathing difficulties. These parasites are mostly found in other birds, such as canaries and Gouldian finches, but can also infect ducks and chickens.

There are different species of air sac mites, including:
🦆 Sternostoma tracheacolum – Primarily infects wild and captive birds, including ducks, affecting the trachea, syrinx, lungs, and air sacs. The mites lay eggs in the lungs, and their larvae feed on blood-rich tissue, completing their life cycle in just six days.
🦆 Cytodites nudus – Affects a variety of birds, including chickens, pigeons, and turkeys, and can spread to ducks, invading the air sacs, lungs, and even hollow bones.
🦆 Ptilonyssus spp. – Prefers to occupy nasal passages, mainly in passerine birds but can spread to other species.

Since air sac mite infections mimic other respiratory diseases, diagnosing them can be challenging without veterinary testing.

Symptoms of Air Sac Mites

Ducks infected with air sac mites may show mild to severe respiratory distress depending on the level of infestation. Symptoms include:

🦆 High-pitched breathing noises – A wheezing or whistling sound when breathing.
🦆 Clicking sounds – A distinctive clicking or crackling noise due to inflammation and mucus buildup.
🦆 Coughing and sneezing – Frequent attempts to clear the airways.
🦆 Open-mouth breathing – A sign of respiratory distress, especially in severe cases.
🦆 Tail bobbing – The tail moves up and down with each breath.
🦆 Change in vocalization – Ducks may sound hoarse, lose their voice, or make unusual noises.
🦆 Lethargy and weight loss – Reduced energy and eating difficulties as breathing becomes more difficult.
🦆 Weakness or loss of balance – Severe infestations can cause ducks to become unstable.

Without treatment, heavy mite infestations can completely block the airway, leading to suffocation or death.

Diagnosis of Air Sac Mites

Veterinarians use several methods to confirm an air sac mite infestation:

🔬 Tracheal transillumination – A bright light shined on the duck’s neck after applying alcohol to the skin may reveal dark specks moving inside the trachea (mites).
🔬 Oral swab or fecal sample – Can sometimes detect mites or eggs.
🔬 Radiographs (X-rays) – May show abnormal opacity in the lungs or air sacs.
🔬 Tracheal endoscopy – A small camera inserted into the trachea can directly visualize mites.

Because air sac mite symptoms are similar to bacterial or fungal infections, proper diagnosis is impoertant to ensure the correct treatment.

Prevention & Treatment

Since air sac mites spread through direct contact with infected birds or contaminated environments, prevention is key.

✅ Use mite treatments like ivermectin or moxidectin – These medications, administered topically, orally, or via injection, can eliminate mites over time. Treatment may need to continue for several weeks to fully eradicate the infestation. Treatment recommendations can be found in our post on internal duck parasites.
⚠️ Warning: When treating heavy infestations, large numbers of mites dying at once can cause temporary worsening of symptoms before improvement.

✅ Environmental management – Clean the duck house thoroughly, remove all bedding, and disinfect surfaces to eliminate mites hiding in cracks. Insecticidal sprays may help.
✅ Quarantine new or sick birds – Keep new ducks separate for at least two weeks to ensure they are mite-free before introducing them to the flock.
✅ Minimize exposure to wild birds – Especially sparrows and finches, which commonly carry air sac mites.

If a duck shows signs of air sac mites, early veterinary intervention is crucial. With proper treatment and a clean, well-ventilated living space, ducks can recover fully and breathe freely again.

➡️ Read more on Poultry DVM: Air Sac Mites

4. Gapeworms in Ducks (Parasitic Infection)

Cause of Gapeworms

Gapeworms (Syngamus trachea) are parasitic worms that attach to a duck’s trachea (windpipe), where they grow and multiply. As they mature, they physically block airflow, making it harder for the duck to breathe.

Ducks become infected by:
🦆 Ingesting infected intermediate hosts – Gapeworm larvae live in earthworms, slugs, snails, grasshoppers, and flies. Ducks that eat these creatures can accidentally ingest the parasite.
🦆 Direct exposure to contaminated environments – Ducks can pick up gapeworm eggs from bedding, soil, or water where infected birds have shed them.

Once inside a duck, gapeworm larvae migrate to the lungs and trachea, where they attach, grow, and lay eggs, restarting the cycle.

Symptoms

Gapeworms cause severe respiratory distress as they physically block the airway, leading to:

🦆 Repeated “gaping” for air – Ducks stretch their necks and open their mouths wide in an attempt to breathe.
🦆 Gasping and wheezing – The airway obstruction makes it hard to inhale or exhale.
🦆 Head shaking and coughing – Ducks try to dislodge the worms stuck in their throats.
🦆 Weakness and weight loss – Breathing difficulties make eating and drinking harder.
🦆 Lethargy – Ducks appear sluggish and less active.
🦆 Sudden death in severe cases – A heavy infestation can completely block the airway, leading to suffocation.

Diagnosis of Gpworms

Veterinarians can diagnose gapeworm infections using:

🔬 Visual inspection of the throat – In severe cases, red, Y-shaped worms may be visible inside the trachea when a vet gently opens the duck’s mouth.
🔬 Fecal float test – Identifies gapeworm eggs in the duck’s droppings under a microscope.
🔬 Endoscopy or X-rays – Can confirm a worm blockage in the trachea.

Because gapeworm symptoms resemble respiratory infections, proper diagnosis is crucial to avoid mistreatment.

Prevention & Treatment

Since gapeworms spread through infected hosts and contaminated environments, prevention is key.

✅ Reduce exposure to intermediate hosts – Keep ducks from eating earthworms, snails, slugs, and insects in areas where gapeworms are common.
✅ Maintain clean housing – Regularly replace bedding, clean water sources, and remove waste to minimize contamination.
✅ Rotate grazing areas – Avoid overcrowding and excessive foraging in the same space to reduce the risk of re-infection.

Treatment for Infected Ducks

🦆 Deworming medications (Anthelmintics) – Fenbendazole, ivermectin, or albendazole can kill gapeworm larvae and adults. Treatment may need to continue for several days to ensure all worms are eliminated. Treatment recommendations can be found in our post on internal duck parasites.
🦆 Supportive care – Ducks struggling to breathe may need a quiet, stress-free environment with easy access to food and water.

With early detection and proper deworming, ducks can fully recover and breathe normally again.

➡️ Read more: 8 Internal Duck Parasites You Should Be Aware Of

5. Bacterial Respiratory Infections in Ducks (Pneumonia & Air Sacculitis)

Cause of Bacterial Infections in Ducks

Bacterial infections affecting a duck’s lungs and air sacs are often caused by:

🦠 Escherichia coli (E. coli) – A common environmental bacterium that can cause respiratory issues if ducks inhale contaminated dust or water droplets.
🦠 Pasteurella multocida – The bacteria responsible for fowl cholera, which spreads through contaminated food, water, or direct contact with infected birds.
🦠 Mycoplasma species – These bacteria cause chronic respiratory disease, which can persist in a flock and spread through direct contact, contaminated surfaces, or airborne droplets.

Ducks may become infected if they are kept in damp, unclean, or overcrowded conditions, especially with poor ventilation. Sudden weather changes, stress, and exposure to drafts can weaken their immune systems, making them more vulnerable.

Symptoms of Bacterial Respiratory Infections in Ducks

Bacterial respiratory infections can range from mild to severe. Signs to watch for include:

🦆 Sneezing and coughing – Ducks may expel mucus or show increased throat clearing.
🦆 Nasal discharge – A runny or crusty nose, sometimes with bubbles or thick mucus.
🦆 Labored breathing – Ducks may pant, wheeze, or breathe with their mouths open.
🦆 Swollen sinuses and face – Some bacterial infections, especially Mycoplasma, can cause noticeable swelling around the eyes and sinuses.
🦆 Lethargy and reduced appetite – Infected ducks may appear weak, less active, or reluctant to eat and drink.
🦆 Egg production decline – If a laying duck is sick, she may stop or significantly reduce egg-laying.

Severe cases can lead to pneumonia, causing high fever, difficulty standing, and eventual death if left untreated.

Prevention & Treatment

Maintaining good hygiene and a stress-free environment can significantly reduce the risk of bacterial infections.

✅ Keep housing clean, dry, and well-ventilated – Regularly remove wet bedding, manure, and dirty water to prevent bacterial buildup.
✅ Avoid sudden temperature changes and drafts – Ducks exposed to cold winds, damp conditions, or extreme weather shifts are more likely to develop respiratory infections.
✅ Limit exposure to wild birds – Many bacterial diseases spread through contact with wild waterfowl.

Treatment for Infected Ducks

🦆 Antibiotic treatment – Enrofloxacin, oxytetracycline, or tylosin may be prescribed by a veterinarian to fight bacterial infections. Treatment duration depends on the severity of the illness.
🦆 Supportive care – Sick ducks should be kept warm, hydrated, and in a stress-free environment to aid recovery.
🦆 Quarantine sick ducks – To prevent spreading the infection to healthy flock members, isolate affected ducks until they recover.

With early detection and proper treatment, most ducks can fully recover from bacterial respiratory infections.

6. Duck Virus Enteritis (DVE or Duck Plague)

Cause of DVE

Duck Virus Enteritis (DVE), also known as Duck Plague, is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the Anseriform herpesvirus. This virus primarily affects the respiratory and digestive systems of ducks, leading to severe illness and, in some cases, sudden death. It is most common in wild ducks, but domestic ducks can also be infected. The virus spreads through direct contact with infected ducks, their feces, or contaminated feed, water, and equipment.

Symptoms

The symptoms of DVE can range from mild to fatal. Common signs to look for include:

🦆 Sensitivity to light – Affected ducks may exhibit squinting or closing their eyes in bright light due to inflammation of the eyes (photophobia).
🦆 Nasal discharge – Ducks may have a runny nose, with clear or yellowish mucus.
🦆 Ataxia (loss of coordination) – Infected ducks may struggle to walk, appearing unsteady or wobbly. This is due to the virus affecting the nervous system.
🦆 Respiratory distress – Affected ducks may have labored breathing, coughing, or sneezing.
🦆 Sudden death – In severe cases, ducks may die rapidly without prior signs of illness or show a quick decline in health.
🦆 Digestive issues – Ducks may experience diarrhea, loss of appetite, and dehydration due to the virus affecting the digestive tract.

Prevention & Treatment

Preventing Duck Virus Enteritis requires strict biosecurity measures and early detection. Unfortunately, there is no specific antiviral treatment for DVE, and most infected ducks will fall to the virus if not caught early. However, there are steps that can reduce the risk and provide support for infected ducks:

✅ Maintain strict biosecurity – Keep new ducks quarantined for at least 2-4 weeks before introducing them to your flock. This helps prevent the spread of the virus.
✅ Limit contact with wild ducks – Wild waterfowl are often carriers of the virus, so it’s crucial to minimize interaction between your ducks and any wild birds, especially during migration seasons.
✅ Disinfect housing and equipment – Regularly clean and disinfect water containers, feed bins, and housing to prevent cross-contamination.
✅ Supportive care – While there is no cure, providing supportive care such as hydration, nutrient-rich food, and a stress-free environment can help sick ducks recover or at least improve their chances of survival.

If you suspect DVE in your flock, contact a veterinarian immediately for guidance on diagnosis and care. It’s important to act quickly as this virus can spread rapidly and be fatal within 24-48 hours in severe cases.

➡️ Read more: Duck Virus Enteritis: How to Protect Your Flock from This Deadly Duck Disease

7. Environmental Respiratory Issues

Cause

Environmental respiratory issues in ducks are often caused by ammonia buildup and poor air quality in their living environment. Ammonia, a colorless gas released from dirty bedding, feces, and decaying organic matter, can irritate the respiratory system of ducks, leading to serious health concerns. Ammonia exposure typically occurs in poorly ventilated housing or when bedding is not cleaned regularly. Additionally, dusty feed or moldy food can worsen air quality, contributing to respiratory problems.

Symptoms

Ducks exposed to environmental respiratory issues may display the following symptoms:

🦆 Eye irritation – Ammonia vapors can irritate the eyes, causing them to water, squint, or become red and swollen.
🦆 Sneezing and coughing – Ducks may exhibit frequent sneezing, coughing, or even wheezing as a result of inflamed airways.
🦆 Inflamed airways – Chronic exposure to ammonia or dust can lead to swelling of the air passages, making it harder for ducks to breathe properly and increasing their susceptibility to other respiratory diseases.
🦆 Lethargy – Ducks may become tired or less active due to the discomfort caused by irritated airways.

Prevention & Treatment

Preventing environmental respiratory issues is relatively simple and involves maintaining a clean and well-ventilated environment for your ducks. Here’s how you can protect your ducks’ respiratory health:

✅ Clean bedding frequently – Regularly change bedding materials like straw or wood shavings to prevent ammonia buildup. Make sure to remove wet areas and replace soiled bedding to maintain a clean environment.
✅ Improve airflow in the duck house – Ensure the duck house is well-ventilated to allow fresh air to circulate and remove ammonia fumes. Install windows or fans to improve air exchange, especially in warmer months.
✅ Use low-dust feed – Switch to low-dust or pelletized feed to minimize airborne particles that can irritate the respiratory system.
✅ Avoid moldy food sources – Keep feed and bedding dry and free from mold, which can further degrade air quality and contribute to respiratory distress.

If you notice your ducks displaying symptoms of respiratory distress, it’s essential to act quickly by improving their environment and consulting a veterinarian if the problem persists. Addressing environmental issues early can prevent more severe respiratory complications in the future.

Preventing Respiratory Issues in Ducks

✅ Maintain Clean Housing – Dry, mold-free bedding and good ventilation reduce respiratory risks.
✅ Practice Biosecurity – Isolate new ducks and avoid contact with wild birds.
✅ Monitor for Early Symptoms – Quick action can prevent serious illness.
✅ Provide a Nutrient-Rich Diet – A strong immune system helps ducks fight off infections.
✅ Minimize Stress – Stress weakens the immune system, increasing disease susceptibility.

When to See a Vet?

Seek veterinary help if your duck:
🚨 Is gasping for air or struggling to breathe.
🚨 Develops blue-tinged skin (indicating oxygen deprivation).
🚨 Stops eating or drinking.
🚨 Shows sudden weakness or neurological symptoms.

Respiratory infections in ducks can be serious, but with proper care and early intervention, most can be managed or prevented.

In Summary

Respiratory issues in ducks can have different causes, including infections, parasites, environmental factors, and even mold exposure. Because ducks have a highly efficient but delicate respiratory system, any disruption can quickly lead to serious health problems. Recognizing early symptoms—such as open-mouth breathing, nasal discharge, or labored breathing—can make a significant difference in preventing complications.

Maintaining clean, dry housing, ensuring good ventilation, and minimizing exposure to wild birds, parasites, and moldy feed are key steps in prevention. While some conditions can be treated with medications like antifungals, antibiotics, or dewormers, others—such as viral infections—rely on biosecurity and supportive care.

By understanding how ducks breathe and being proactive in their care, duck keepers like you can help their flocks stay healthy, happy, and free of respiratory distress.

Related Articles

• Ducks Coughing: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
• 31 Must-have Items for Your Pet Duck First Aid Kit
• Duck Virus Enteritis: How to Protect Your Flock from This Deadly Duck Disease
• Aspergillosis in Ducks: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment
• Understanding Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
• 8 Internal Duck Parasites You Should Be Aware Of

References

• https://www.merckvetmanual.com/bird-owners/disorders-and-diseases-of-birds/lung-and-airway-disorders-of-pet-birds
• https://poultrydvm.com/condition/airsac-mites
• https://www.merckvetmanual.com/poultry/air-sac-mite/air-sac-mite-in-poultry