[Secondary amyloidosis in white Peking ducks]

In a research institute numerous cases of amyloidosis were observed in 12 of 70 white Peking ducks kept in cages with wire bottoms. All 12 ducks also suffered from chronic inflammed alterations in the sole of foot zone (bumble-foot). A second flock of 40 white Peking ducks supplied with equivalent feed but kept outdoors showed neither signs of bumble foot nor amyloidosis. Likewise, after the healing of the bumble feet per adjustment of the wire bottoms (installing a wider footing area) no new cases of amyloidosis were noticed among the ducks kept in cages. Histologically deposits of amyloid were found in the liver, which was highly affected, the kidney, spleen, stomach, small and large intestines as well as pancreas. The fact that amyloidosis only appeared under certain circumstances indicates the presence of a secondary form of this illness.