Inclusion body hepatitis (IBH) is not a new disease of poultry, but it’s quietly spreading to broiler flocks — initially with few clinical signs, followed by death in some flocks.

Caused by fowl adenovirus (FAdV), IBH requires diagnostic confirmation through histopathology and polymerase chain reaction tests. There are no real treatment options, so the best approach is a robust breeder and broiler vaccination program targeting immunosuppressive diseases such as Marek’s disease (MD), infectious bursal disease (IBD) and chicken anemia virus (CAV). Some farms have also resorted to autogenous IBH vaccines. Management practices that alleviate stressors also help to minimize the impact of the disease.

Overall, there remains a lack of updated information or research on IBH. To provide insights and ideas, Zoetis organized a roundtable discussion, “IBH: Managing an emerging immunosuppressive disease of broilers.” Participants included poultry-company veterinarians with first-hand IBH experience and academicians who’ve studied the disease.

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