Western Meeting of Poultry

 Clinicians and Pathologists 

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One Broiler Grower’s Experience with Inclusion Body Hepatitis Outbreaks

Robert Goodhope, DVM

Saskatchewan Poultry Extension Veterinarian

University of Saskatchewan

 Flock mortality records for seven consecutive flocks (Sep 03-Sep04) were interpreted by flock, week and day with particular emphasis on outbreaks of inclusion body hepatitis (IBH). The farm consisted of two single storey barns with earthen floors of area 14,000 and 18,000 sq. ft. Cleaned and disinfected with new straw litter for each placement.  Infectious bursal disease virus is present. Stocking density ranged from 0.63-0.80 sq.ft/bird. Performance measures were: Market age 33-37 days, market weight 1.67-1.83 kg, average daily gain 49.7-52.7 g, and livability 90.26- 95.75%.

 Five of 14 placements had early mortality due to yolk sac infection. One placement experienced rickets and airsacculitis. Six of 14 flocks had IBH outbreaks. Twice both barns had simultaneous IBH outbreaks. The average duration of IBH outbreaks was 6.3 days (4-9). Average mortality during IBH outbreaks was 3.32% (1.04-5.94).  Consecutive outbreaks in the same barn happened once.

 Investigation into an association with particular parent breeders was inconclusive. The pattern of IBH outbreaks and the persistence during the production year was unusual from past IBH outbreak patterns.

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Last modified: 5/28/2009