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An Unusual Necrotizing cholangiohepatitis in Broiler Chickens
Summary
High levels of arsenic in broiler chicken feed caused toxic necrotizing cholangiohepatitis, leading to liver damage and slow growth. This condition affected 35% of the flock, highlighting the dangers of incorrect drug dosages in poultry.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Toxicology
- Poultry Science
Background:
- Toxic necrotizing cholangiohepatitis affected 35% of a commercial broiler flock.
- Clinical signs included poor growth and green liver foci.
- The condition occurred after dietary changes due to wet droppings and slow growth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cause of toxic necrotizing cholangiohepatitis in a commercial broiler flock.
- To determine the role of dietary premixes in the observed pathology.
Main Methods:
- Necropsy and histological examination of affected birds.
- Analysis of liver and kidney for arsenic levels.
- Identification of arsenic in liver tissues using special stains.
Main Results:
- Elevated total arsenic levels were found in the liver and kidneys of affected birds.
- Arsenic was localized within necrotic foci in the liver.
- Histological findings included bile duct dilation, necrosis, and epithelial hyperplasia.
Conclusions:
- Inadvertent tenfold over-dosage of 3-nitro-4-hydroxyphenylarsonic acid in feed was identified as the likely cause.
- Arsenic toxicity is implicated in the bile duct damage observed.
- Drug interactions and altered metabolism in birds with diarrhea may have contributed to the toxicity.
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