Multisystemic adenovirus infection in broiler chicks with hypoglycemia and spiking mortality

The search for a solitary cause of spiking mortality (so-called spiking mortality syndrome [SMS]) among broiler chicks has been thwarted by the fact that many agents will cause similar mortality histograms. Recently, severe hypoglycemia has been said to be a characteristic finding in chicks that die with SMS. In the present case study, we report adenovirus inclusions in the pancreas, small intestines, and liver of chicks with hypoglycemia and spiking mortality. We attributed the hypoglycemia and mortality to hepatic insufficiency.