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New Zealand Veterinary Journal Publication details, including instructions for authors and subscription information: http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/tnzv20
Tenosynovitis in broilers and broiler breeder flocks a
B.S. Bains & C.L. Tempest a
b
Box 255, Dee Why, N.S.W., Australia
b
General Foods Poultry Ltd , Private Bag, New Plymouth Published online: 23 Feb 2011.
To cite this article: B.S. Bains & C.L. Tempest (1978) Tenosynovitis in broilers and broiler breeder flocks, New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 26:4, 113-114, DOI: 10.1080/00480169.1978.34509 To link to this article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00480169.1978.34509
PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR ARTICLE Taylor & Francis makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of all the information (the “Content”) contained in the publications on our platform. However, Taylor & Francis, our agents, and our licensors make no representations or warranties whatsoever as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability for any purpose of the Content. Any opinions and views expressed in this publication are the opinions and views of the authors, and are not the views of or endorsed by Taylor & Francis. The accuracy of the Content should not be relied upon and should be independently verified with primary sources of information. Taylor and Francis shall not be liable for any losses, actions, claims, proceedings, demands, costs, expenses, damages, and other liabilities whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with, in relation to or arising out of the use of the Content. This article may be used for research, teaching, and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, redistribution, reselling, loan, sub-licensing, systematic supply, or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden. Terms & Conditions of access and use can be found at http:// www.tandfonline.com/page/terms-and-conditions
1978
113
NEW ZEALAND VETERINARY JOURNAL
CLINICAL COMMUNICATION Tenosynovitis in broilers and broiler breeder flocks B. S. Bains* and C. L. Tempest U N. Z. vel. 1. 26: 113-4
ABSTRACT
LABORATORY FINDINGS
Tenosynovitis in commercial broiler breeder flocks, characterised by severe lameness, resulted in malnutrition and eventual culling of these chickens. Histologically there was metaplasia of tendons, tendon sheaths, connective tissues and infiltration with heterophils. Although Staph. aureus was isolated from some specimens, it is probable that the condition is ohiral origin: the virus has not yet been isolated.
Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from the fluid collected from 10 specimens. No organisms were isolated from tissues where thickening of the tendons was the only lesion. Preliminary attempts for virus isolation in embryonated eggs was unsuc6essful. Histological examination of tendons and tendon sheaths showed oedema, hyperplasia of synovial cells and the connective tissues, and infiltration with heterophils. In some sections, clusters of coccoid bacteria and inspissated, inflammatory exudate with fibrin deposits were present.
Downloaded by [Erciyes University] at 08:27 13 January 2015
INTRODUCTION
Tenosynovitis of chickens has been reported from a number of countriesll) (2' (5, and the causative agent identified as a reovirus(6'. The disease has been experimentally reproduced by various routes of inoculation(3) (4) (8, . Tenosynovitis has not been reported before from New Zealand poultry flocks. The aim of this report is to record the occurrence in poultry flocks of a clinical disease similar to the tenosynovitis reported from other countries.
FLOCK HISTORY
Over the past 12 months an increasing number of chickens were culled from every broiler breeder flock owned by a poultry company. The majority were cuJled between 12 and 20 weeks of age . Field observations showed that from II weeks of age some chickens exhibited lameness involving one, or both legs. Over the next 4-5 weeks these birds became increasingly lame and some were unable to walk; they could not compete for food and water, resulting in retarded growth, so that they were culled from the flock before reaching 20 weekS of age. The condition involved both sexes, with a morbidity rate. of up to 2%. A similar condition was also seen in broiler chickens produced by the same company, but with a much lower incidence.
DISCUSSION
Tenosynovitis is emerging as a disease of economic significance. From clinical and histological examination, the disease appears to be similar to the one caused by reovirus. Staph. aureus was isolated only from those lesions where excess fluid and fibrin was present. The same organism has been isolated from similar outbreaks of tenosynovitis and was considered to have secondary importancel5). Staph. aureus may not be the primary pathogen in this case. The economic loss in the present case resulted from the culling of affected chickens and the loss of their potential production. A significant drop in egg production from this disease has been observed in the field(7). Further economic losses may result from the rejection of broiler chicken carcasses or removal of the affected parts in poultry abattoirs. The agent of tenosynovitis is capable of being eggtransmitted(9) which may account for the occurrence of this disease in some broiler flocks . The protective effect of maternal antibodies on the development of tenosynovitis has been demonstrated(lO) which, in part, may explain its low incidence in broiler flocks. Effective control of tenosynovitis in broiler flocks has been achieved through vaccination of breeder flocks with live attenuated virus vaccine(II).
NECROPSY FINDINGS
Twenty 16-week-old chickens with typical signs from four separate breeder flocks were received for necropsy. On examination the chickens were found to be dehydrated and emaciated. A gross swelling above the hock joint covered by the feathers was observed in 15 of the specimens; 10 of these had a soft fluctuating swelling on the lateral aspect of the leg above the hock joint. The remaining five-had only thickened digital flexor tendons of the shank. On incision through the sweJling, a clear to yellow fluid and fibrin exuded from the lesion (Fig I). On palpation tendons felt unusually firm. In some cases;inftammation had extended to the adjacent muscles above the hock joint. No lesions were seen in the hock joint or in any of the internal organs.
••
Present address: Box 255, Dee Why, 2099 N.S.W., Australia. General Foods Poultry Ltd, Private Bag, New Plymouth .
Fig. 1.
Tenosynovitis in 12 week-old chicken, showing fluid and fibrin deposits beneath the skin aboVe the hock joint.
114
NEW ZEALAND VETERINARY JOURNAL
Because of the economic importance of tenosynovitis to the poultry industry, further investigations into this disease in New Zealand are urgently needed,
(5)
(6) (7)
(8)
REFERENCES (I) (2)
(3)
Downloaded by [Erciyes University] at 08:27 13 January 2015
(4)
Dalton, P. J. and Henry, R. (1976): "Tenosynovitis" in poultry. Vel. Rec. 80: 638. Johnson, D. C. and van der Heide, L. (1971): Incidence of tenosynovitis in Maine broilers. Avian Dis. 15: 829. Johnson, D. C. (1972): Diagnosis, pathology and aetiology of tenosynovitis in broIlers and brOIler breeders. Avian Dis. 16: 1067. Kerr, K. M. and Olson, N. O. (1969): Pathology of chickens experimentally moculated or contact-infected with an arthritis-producing virus. Avian Dis. 13: 729.
(9)
(10)
(II)
VOL. 26
MacKenzie, M. A. and Bains, B. S. (1976): Tenosynovitis in chickens. A us. vet. 1. 52: 468. Olson, N. O. and Kerr, K. M. (1966): Some characteristics of an avian arthritis viral agent. A vian Dis. 10: 470. Schwartz, L. D., Gentry, F. and Rothenbacher, H. (1976): Infectious tenosynovitis in commercial white leghorn chickens. Avian Dis. 20: 769. van der Heide, L., Geissler, J. and Bryant, E. S. (1974): Infectious tenosynovitis: Serologic and histopathologic response after experimental infection with a Connecticut isolate. A vian Dis. 20: 769. van der Heide, L. and Kalbac, M. (1975): Infectious tenosynovitis (viral arthritis): characterization of a Connecticut viral isolate as a reovirus and evidence of viral egg transmission by reovirus-infected broiler breeders. A vian Dis. 19: 683. van der Heide, L., Kalbac, M. and Hall, W.L C. (1976): Infectious tenosynovitis (viral arthritis): Influence of maternal antibodies on the development of tenosynovitis lesions after experimental infection of day-old chickens with tenosynovitis virus. Avian Dis. 20: 64 I. van der Heide, L. (1977): Results of trials with breeder vaccination against tenosynovitis (viral arthritis). Proc. Western Poull~v Disease Conference, Davis, California. March 21-23.
New Zealand Veterinary Journal Publication details, including instructions for authors and subscription information: http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/tnzv20
Tenosynovitis in broilers and broiler breeder flocks a
B.S. Bains & C.L. Tempest a
b
Box 255, Dee Why, N.S.W., Australia
b
General Foods Poultry Ltd , Private Bag, New Plymouth Published online: 23 Feb 2011.
To cite this article: B.S. Bains & C.L. Tempest (1978) Tenosynovitis in broilers and broiler breeder flocks, New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 26:4, 113-114, DOI: 10.1080/00480169.1978.34509 To link to this article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00480169.1978.34509
PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR ARTICLE Taylor & Francis makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of all the information (the “Content”) contained in the publications on our platform. However, Taylor & Francis, our agents, and our licensors make no representations or warranties whatsoever as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability for any purpose of the Content. Any opinions and views expressed in this publication are the opinions and views of the authors, and are not the views of or endorsed by Taylor & Francis. The accuracy of the Content should not be relied upon and should be independently verified with primary sources of information. Taylor and Francis shall not be liable for any losses, actions, claims, proceedings, demands, costs, expenses, damages, and other liabilities whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with, in relation to or arising out of the use of the Content. This article may be used for research, teaching, and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, redistribution, reselling, loan, sub-licensing, systematic supply, or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden. Terms & Conditions of access and use can be found at http:// www.tandfonline.com/page/terms-and-conditions
1978
113
NEW ZEALAND VETERINARY JOURNAL
CLINICAL COMMUNICATION Tenosynovitis in broilers and broiler breeder flocks B. S. Bains* and C. L. Tempest U N. Z. vel. 1. 26: 113-4
ABSTRACT
LABORATORY FINDINGS
Tenosynovitis in commercial broiler breeder flocks, characterised by severe lameness, resulted in malnutrition and eventual culling of these chickens. Histologically there was metaplasia of tendons, tendon sheaths, connective tissues and infiltration with heterophils. Although Staph. aureus was isolated from some specimens, it is probable that the condition is ohiral origin: the virus has not yet been isolated.
Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from the fluid collected from 10 specimens. No organisms were isolated from tissues where thickening of the tendons was the only lesion. Preliminary attempts for virus isolation in embryonated eggs was unsuc6essful. Histological examination of tendons and tendon sheaths showed oedema, hyperplasia of synovial cells and the connective tissues, and infiltration with heterophils. In some sections, clusters of coccoid bacteria and inspissated, inflammatory exudate with fibrin deposits were present.
Downloaded by [Erciyes University] at 08:27 13 January 2015
INTRODUCTION
Tenosynovitis of chickens has been reported from a number of countriesll) (2' (5, and the causative agent identified as a reovirus(6'. The disease has been experimentally reproduced by various routes of inoculation(3) (4) (8, . Tenosynovitis has not been reported before from New Zealand poultry flocks. The aim of this report is to record the occurrence in poultry flocks of a clinical disease similar to the tenosynovitis reported from other countries.
FLOCK HISTORY
Over the past 12 months an increasing number of chickens were culled from every broiler breeder flock owned by a poultry company. The majority were cuJled between 12 and 20 weeks of age . Field observations showed that from II weeks of age some chickens exhibited lameness involving one, or both legs. Over the next 4-5 weeks these birds became increasingly lame and some were unable to walk; they could not compete for food and water, resulting in retarded growth, so that they were culled from the flock before reaching 20 weekS of age. The condition involved both sexes, with a morbidity rate. of up to 2%. A similar condition was also seen in broiler chickens produced by the same company, but with a much lower incidence.
DISCUSSION
Tenosynovitis is emerging as a disease of economic significance. From clinical and histological examination, the disease appears to be similar to the one caused by reovirus. Staph. aureus was isolated only from those lesions where excess fluid and fibrin was present. The same organism has been isolated from similar outbreaks of tenosynovitis and was considered to have secondary importancel5). Staph. aureus may not be the primary pathogen in this case. The economic loss in the present case resulted from the culling of affected chickens and the loss of their potential production. A significant drop in egg production from this disease has been observed in the field(7). Further economic losses may result from the rejection of broiler chicken carcasses or removal of the affected parts in poultry abattoirs. The agent of tenosynovitis is capable of being eggtransmitted(9) which may account for the occurrence of this disease in some broiler flocks . The protective effect of maternal antibodies on the development of tenosynovitis has been demonstrated(lO) which, in part, may explain its low incidence in broiler flocks. Effective control of tenosynovitis in broiler flocks has been achieved through vaccination of breeder flocks with live attenuated virus vaccine(II).
NECROPSY FINDINGS
Twenty 16-week-old chickens with typical signs from four separate breeder flocks were received for necropsy. On examination the chickens were found to be dehydrated and emaciated. A gross swelling above the hock joint covered by the feathers was observed in 15 of the specimens; 10 of these had a soft fluctuating swelling on the lateral aspect of the leg above the hock joint. The remaining five-had only thickened digital flexor tendons of the shank. On incision through the sweJling, a clear to yellow fluid and fibrin exuded from the lesion (Fig I). On palpation tendons felt unusually firm. In some cases;inftammation had extended to the adjacent muscles above the hock joint. No lesions were seen in the hock joint or in any of the internal organs.
••
Present address: Box 255, Dee Why, 2099 N.S.W., Australia. General Foods Poultry Ltd, Private Bag, New Plymouth .
Fig. 1.
Tenosynovitis in 12 week-old chicken, showing fluid and fibrin deposits beneath the skin aboVe the hock joint.
114
NEW ZEALAND VETERINARY JOURNAL
Because of the economic importance of tenosynovitis to the poultry industry, further investigations into this disease in New Zealand are urgently needed,
(5)
(6) (7)
(8)
REFERENCES (I) (2)
(3)
Downloaded by [Erciyes University] at 08:27 13 January 2015
(4)
Dalton, P. J. and Henry, R. (1976): "Tenosynovitis" in poultry. Vel. Rec. 80: 638. Johnson, D. C. and van der Heide, L. (1971): Incidence of tenosynovitis in Maine broilers. Avian Dis. 15: 829. Johnson, D. C. (1972): Diagnosis, pathology and aetiology of tenosynovitis in broIlers and brOIler breeders. Avian Dis. 16: 1067. Kerr, K. M. and Olson, N. O. (1969): Pathology of chickens experimentally moculated or contact-infected with an arthritis-producing virus. Avian Dis. 13: 729.
(9)
(10)
(II)
VOL. 26
MacKenzie, M. A. and Bains, B. S. (1976): Tenosynovitis in chickens. A us. vet. 1. 52: 468. Olson, N. O. and Kerr, K. M. (1966): Some characteristics of an avian arthritis viral agent. A vian Dis. 10: 470. Schwartz, L. D., Gentry, F. and Rothenbacher, H. (1976): Infectious tenosynovitis in commercial white leghorn chickens. Avian Dis. 20: 769. van der Heide, L., Geissler, J. and Bryant, E. S. (1974): Infectious tenosynovitis: Serologic and histopathologic response after experimental infection with a Connecticut isolate. A vian Dis. 20: 769. van der Heide, L. and Kalbac, M. (1975): Infectious tenosynovitis (viral arthritis): characterization of a Connecticut viral isolate as a reovirus and evidence of viral egg transmission by reovirus-infected broiler breeders. A vian Dis. 19: 683. van der Heide, L., Kalbac, M. and Hall, W.L C. (1976): Infectious tenosynovitis (viral arthritis): Influence of maternal antibodies on the development of tenosynovitis lesions after experimental infection of day-old chickens with tenosynovitis virus. Avian Dis. 20: 64 I. van der Heide, L. (1977): Results of trials with breeder vaccination against tenosynovitis (viral arthritis). Proc. Western Poull~v Disease Conference, Davis, California. March 21-23.
