Pancreatic degeneration in broilers with runting and stunting syndrome

A number of plasma biochemical parameters were examined in five outbreaks of runting in broiler chickens. In four of the five outbreaks, runts showed consistent elevations in plasma amylase activity and reductions in glutathione peroxidase activity. In two of the five outbreaks the plasma vitamin E concentration was reduced, as was the activity of plasma alkaline phosphatase. A highly significant number of runted chickens were found to have pancreatic degeneration, elevated plasma amylase activity and reduced plasma glutathione peroxidase activity, compared with non-runted chickens. The implications of these changes are discussed in relation to the aetiology of runting and stunting syndrome and, in particular, the possible involvement of selenium.

Toxicity in utility pigeons caused by the coccidiostat dinitolmide

Utility pigeons on 3 farms were affected by a severe neurological disturbance manifested by fine tremors, rolling gait and incoordination. Affected birds had necrosis of the Purkinje cells of the cerebellar cortex. The birds from the 3 farms had been fed a pelleted diet obtained from a single mix of feed prepared by a stockfeed manufacturer. When feed obtained from the farms was given to utility pigeons under controlled conditions at the laboratory, they suffered the same clinical signs and lesions as seen in birds from the farms. Cross-bred cockerels were not affected when given this feed from day-old to 6 weeks of age. Samples of the feed contained 185 to 226 ppm of the coccidiostat dinitolmide. Utility pigeons given a prepared diet containing a similar level (234 ppm) of dinitolmide developed an identical condition after 3 to 4 weeks feeding. Laying hens were not affected by this feed. Dimetridazole, which was also present in some of the original feed samples, did not exacerbate the condition when included in the diet at a rate of 233 ppm. Production of squabs from the affected farms was dramatically reduced, and many of the breeder had to be culled because of the long-standing neurological disease.

Causes of culling and mortality in three flocks of broiler chickens in Victoria during 1979

A mortality survey was carried out on three flocks of broiler chickens on a Victorian grower farm. A total of 61,400 chicks were placed and 2883 (4.7 per cent) died or were culled during rearing. Only 1028 (36 per cent) dead and culled birds were available for autopsy and interpretation was based on figures extrapolated from the findings. The most common condition encountered was death in good condition associated with congestion of the lungs (39 per cent of chickens autopsied). Inclusion body hepatitis was diagnosed in 30 per cent of chickens over 21 days of age which died. Mortality during the first 10 days was 1.1 per cent of chicks placed. The incidence of various other conditions is presented with relevant observations and comments.

Observations on the accidental poisoning of birds by organophosphate insecticides and other toxic substances

Details of cases involving the inadvertent exposure of birds to eight toxic substances are recorded. The organophosphate insecticides dichlorvos, diazinon and malathion produced respiratory symptoms which in the former and latter cases were initially thought to be caused by infectious disease. Birds which consumed feed containing fenitrothion showed nervous signs before death. On three separate occasions feral starlings (Sternus vulgaris) were found dead and their gizzard contents contained mevinphos. The rodenticide warfarin was associated with petechial haemorrhages in the skeletal muscles and on the serosal surfaces of one hen. Cyanogenic glycosides from Eucalyptus cladocalyx were responsible for the sudden deaths of ducks and guinea fowl. 'Ornamental dough' containing sodium chloride was fed to birds which were deprived of water and they showed diarrhoea and nervous disorders before death.

Studies on a vaccine against infections bursal disease

An infectious bursal disease vaccine, registered for use in breeder flocks, was studied for efficacy on the day-old offspring of vaccinated hens and for virulence in susceptible day-old and 6-week-old chickens. When given to susceptible day-old chicks and 6-week-old cockerels, the vaccine was found to induce atrophy and pathology of the bursa of Fabricius similar to that observed in field infections. Chicks vaccinated at day-old had markedly lowered titres in the haemagglutination inhibition test to Newcastle disease virus, when this was given 2 weeks later, but the response of the 6-week-old cockerel was similar to that of control birds. Maternal antibody induced by the vaccine protected chicks against infection at day-old.

What to look for in a quality laboratory

Judging the quality of a laboratory is not easy, but that does not mean it should not be done. The author of this article sets forth criteria--subjective and objective--for judging a quality laboratory, and for evaluating your own image as others might perceive it. The discussion presented here is vital to residents and junior members.

Diseases of cattle in the Solomon Islands

Between 1967 and 1977 a study was made of diseases of cattle in the Solomon Islands. Tuberculosis was found in only 3 herds and was eradicated by 1975. Brucellosis serology revealed very few reactors and by 1977 the herds involved were considered free of the disease. Significant serological reactions were found to Leptospira interrogans serovars pomona, hardjo, autumnalis and jez-bratislava. There was evidence that infectious bovine rhinotracheitis and mucosal disease were present. Seventeen parasites were identified of which Haematobia irritans exigua, Haemonchus placei, Oesophagostomum radiatum and Ceylonocotyle streptocoelium were widely distributed. Nutritional stress occurred under some forms of husbandry but environmental stress was minimal. The Solomon Islands are therefore in a most favourable situation with regard to diseases of cattle.