Introduction

This is a condition characterised by a sudden increase in mortality in young, typically 7-14-day-old, rapidly growing broiler chickens. Birds in good condition die after showing neurological signs. Mortality drops off as sharply as it started. This appears to be a multifactorial condition. Feed intake, and/or carbohydrate absorption are disturbed resulting in a hypoglycaemia. Males are more susceptible than females, probably because they are growing faster. Filtered intestinal contents from affected flocks appear to be capable of reproducing the condition, suggesting a viral component. In order to reproduce the typical condition the affected birds are subject to 4 hours without feed and then a mild physical stress such as spraying with cool water.

Signs

• Tremor.
• Paralysis.
• Coma.
• Death.
• Orange mucoid droppings.

Post-mortem lesions

• Mild enteritis.
• Excess fluid in lower small intestine and caecae.
• Dehydration.

Diagnosis

• Pattern of mortality.
  
• Signs and lesions.

Treatment

• Leave affected chicks undisturbed.
• Provide multivitamins, electrolytes and glucose solution to flock.
  
• Minimise stress.

Prevention

Good sanitation of the brooding house.
Avoidance of interruptions in feed supply.
Avoidance of physical stress.