The Importance of Post-Mortem Diagnosis in Poultry Farming

The Importance of Post-Mortem Diagnosis

When disease strikes a poultry flock, a post-mortem diagnosis, also known as a necropsy, is a crucial tool for determining the cause of death and protecting the rest of the flock. The term "post-mortem" means "after death" in Latin, and this procedure is an invaluable diagnostic tool, particularly when dealing with unexplained mortality. It complements other diagnostic methods and helps farmers and veterinarians make informed decisions to protect the remaining birds.

The process is a systematic procedure used to investigate the cause of death in a bird.

The Examination Process

The post-mortem procedure is divided into two main parts: the external and internal examination.

External Examination The first step is a thorough visual inspection of the bird's body. The goal is to identify any external signs of disease or injury. This includes:

• Initial Observation: Checking for external injuries, parasites, or abnormal discharges from the eyes, nostrils, or vent.

• Skin and Feathers: Looking for discoloration, bruising, or lesions on the skin. The condition of the feathers can also provide clues, such as signs of a ruffled appearance that may indicate illness.

• Body Condition: Assessing the bird's overall physical state, looking for signs of emaciation or dehydration.
  

Internal Examination This part of the procedure involves making a careful incision to expose and examine the internal organs. This is where a trained eye can find tell-tale signs of various diseases. The following organs and tissues are routinely examined:

• Muscles: The breast muscles are checked for signs of atrophy, bruising, or paleness, which can indicate conditions like anemia.

• Organs: The liver, heart, lungs, spleen, and kidneys are examined in their natural position before being removed for closer inspection.

• Air Sacs: These are examined for thickening or cloudiness, a common sign of respiratory disease.

• Gastrointestinal Tract: The intestines are checked for inflammation, blockages, or lesions. Specific findings like hemorrhagic ulcers or pinpoint hemorrhages can point to specific diseases.

• Sample Collection: If needed, samples of organs, tissues, or fluids are collected for further analysis in a lab, such as for microbiology or histopathology.

Post-Mortem Findings for Common Poultry Diseases

Necropsies reveal distinct lesions associated with different diseases, providing a valuable "message of wisdom from the dead to the living."

• Coccidiosis: This parasitic disease causes significant economic loss. Post-mortem findings include hemorrhages and massive swellings in the intestinal tract.

• Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD): A viral disease that affects young chickens. Necropsy reveals hemorrhagic and atrophied bursa, and hemorrhages in the thigh and pectoral muscles.

• New Castle Disease (NCD): A highly contagious viral disease. Lesions often include hemorrhagic ulcers on the intestinal lining, pinpoint hemorrhages on the tips of proventricular glands, and congestion in the trachea.

• Aspergillosis: Also known as Brooder's Pneumonia. This fungal disease is characterized by small, white caseous nodules scattered throughout the lung tissue and air sacs.

The Importance of a Complete Diagnostic Approach

While a post-mortem examination is a powerful diagnostic tool, it’s most effective when used as part of a comprehensive disease management strategy. For the best results, a veterinarian or trained professional should:

• Collect a detailed flock history, including information on feed, clinical signs, and management practices.

• Select recently deceased or clinically ill birds for examination, as decomposition can obscure lesions.

• Systematically examine the bird, collecting samples for laboratory analysis.
  

By accurately identifying a specific disease, farmers can implement targeted treatment and prevention strategies to minimize further losses. This practice is essential for ensuring the health and sustainability of the poultry industry.

📚 References

• Mishra, P. S., Nanda, S. M., Satapathy, S., & Joshi, S. K. (n.d.). Post mortem findings in different diseases in poultry birds. Department of Veterinary Pathology, Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Extension, Anatomy and Histology, CVSc. and A.H., OUAT, Bhubaneswar-751003, Odisha, India. (This is a primary source document provided by the user).

• Aviagen. (n.d.). Gut Health on the farm. (This document is mentioned in the original user prompt as the source for information on gut health).