Yolk sac infection in a broiler flock: a case report

Abstract

A case of yolk sac infection is reported among 500 broiler chicks bought for National Root Crop Research Institute, Umudike, Poultry Project. From the day of receipt the birds were depressed, dull with distended abdomen. The next day and subsequent days the birds started dying, reached its peak on the 12th day with 8 deaths. Result of post mortem done on the dead chicks revealed a septicaemic carcass with the subcutaneous and yolk sac blood vessels enlarged and dilated. The striking feature was an inflamed unabsorbed yolk sac with the yolk abnormal in colour and consistency. Post mortem findings seen in chicks that survived into second, third and forth weeks were inspissated yolk sac which contained deeply pigmented caseous material. Bacteriological isolations revealed the presence of Escherichia coli. The outbreak was presumed to be as a result of Escherichia coli contaminating the hatching eggs and further penetrate the shell to infect the yolk. The source of infection was found to be from the hatchery contaminated with Escherichia coli where infection spread from chick to chick.


KEY WORDS: Yolk Sac Infection, Broiler Flocks, Septicaemic Carcass.


(Nigerian Veterinary Journal: 2002 23(2): 65-69)