Inclusion Body - Goodhope

Western Meeting of Poultry

Clinicians and Pathologists

Inclusion Body Hepatitis in Saskatchewan Broilers

2003 – 2005

Bob Goodhope

Saskatchewan Poultry Extension Veterinarian

Dept. of Veterinary Pathology

University of Saskatchewan

Saskatoon, SK Canada

Diagnosis of inclusion body hepatitis (IBH) in Saskatchewan broiler chickens has increased in frequency since 2002 (Table 1). Outbreaks during 2003-2005 were characterized by an age of onset of 9-23 days, 4-9 day duration and 1-30% mortality.

Outbreak incidence was most frequent in the summer and fall months (53 of 80, 66%). There was considerable monthly variation in incidence between each year. Months with three or more outbreaks were either summer or fall. Fifteen percent of Saskatchewan barns had outbreaks comprising 45% of premises. Sixty percent of outbreak flocks had repeat outbreaks either within the same or different years. Sixty percent of premises had outbreaks only in one of the three years; 30% occurred in two of three years and 10% in all three years. Most outbreak investigations did not identify a known immunosuppressive agent. Outbreak investigations supported primary pathogenicity of the adenovirus.

Table 1. Yearly IBH diagnoses

Year	Diagnoses
1995	1
1996	0
1997	2
1998	5
1999	0
2000	4
2001	7
2002	1
Average per year 1999-2002

2003	25
2004	34
2005	21*
Average per year 2003-2005

* To the end of September

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Last modified: 5/28/2009