Introduction
A spectrum of diseases of chickens and turkeys, occasionally ducklings and other birds, seen worldwide, characterised by oxidation of various tissues and caused by Vitamin E deficiency. The problem is associated with feed rancidity typically in diets with high fat. Encephalomalacia and exudative diathesis tends to be seen in young birds of 1-5 weeks of age. Muscular dystrophy is seen more frequently in older and mature birds.
Signs
- Imbalance.
- Staggering.
- Uncontrolled movements.
- Falling over.
- Paralysis.
- Ventral oedema.
- Green wings.
Post-mortem lesions
- Swollen cerebellum with areas of congestion.
- Haemorrhage.
- Necrosis.
- Blood-stained or greenish subcutaneous oedema.
- Steatitis.
- White streaks in muscle.
Diagnosis
Signs, lesions, feed rancidity, histopathology, response to medication. Differentiate from Encephalomyelitis, toxicities, necrotic dermatitis.
Treatment
Vitamin E and/or selenium in feed and/or water. Broad-spectrum antibiotics where there are extensive skin lesions.
Prevention
Proper levels of vitamin E, selenium, antioxidant, good quality raw materials.