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A primary epidemic of inclusion body hepatitis in broilers
1Department of Veterinary Pathology and Public Health, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
Avian Diseases
|October 1, 1989
Summary
Inclusion body hepatitis (IBH) caused significant broiler mortality in New Zealand. Adenovirus isolation confirmed the cause, highlighting breeder stock health importance.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Avian Virology
Background:
- Inclusion body hepatitis (IBH) outbreaks occurred in 15 broiler flocks in New Zealand's South Island.
- Affected flocks experienced mortality rates up to 30%.
Purpose of the Study:
- To diagnose and identify the causative agent of Inclusion body hepatitis (IBH) in broiler flocks.
- To describe the clinical signs, gross pathology, and epidemiological factors associated with the IBH outbreaks.
Main Methods:
- Necropsy examination of affected broiler chickens.
- Histopathological examination of liver tissues, identifying intranuclear inclusion bodies.
- Isolation of adenovirus from affected birds.
Main Results:
- Gross findings included bone-marrow aplasia, lymphoid organ atrophy (bursa of Fabricius, thymus), and liver lesions (swollen, hemorrhagic, focal necrosis).
- Eosinophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies were observed in hepatocytes.
- Adenovirus was successfully isolated from multiple cases.
- Disease onset in broilers was preceded by decreased productivity and increased mortality in breeder stock.
Conclusions:
- Adenovirus infection was confirmed as the cause of Inclusion body hepatitis (IBH) in these broiler flocks.
- The study emphasizes the link between breeder flock health and the incidence of IBH in broiler progeny.
- Effective disease management strategies should consider the health status of breeder stock.