Spotty Liver Disease: A review of an ongoing challenge in commercial free-range egg production
Article
Article Title | Spotty Liver Disease: A review of an ongoing challenge in commercial free-range egg production |
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ERA Journal ID | 5560 |
Article Category | Article |
Authors | Courtice, Jodi Maree (Author), Mahdi, Layla Khalid (Author), Groves, Peter John (Author) and Kotiw, Michael (Author) |
Journal Title | Veterinary Microbiology |
Journal Citation | 227, pp. 112-118 |
Number of Pages | 7 |
Year | 2018 |
Place of Publication | Netherlands |
ISSN | 0378-1135 |
1873-2542 | |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetmic.2018.08.004 |
Web Address (URL) | https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378113518303420 |
Abstract | Spotty Liver Disease is an acute infectious disease of layer chickens that was likely first described in the USA and Canada in the 1950s and 1960′s. The disease occurs almost exclusively in barn and free-range production systems. Outbreaks usually, but not exclusively occur in young layers (≅25 weeks) at peak of lay. Indicators of SLD include an acute drop in egg production of up to 35%, together with increased mortality of up to 15%. A presumptive diagnosis at post mortem is made with the detection of characteristic small yellow-white necrotic hepatic lesions, together with a fibrinous peri-hepatitis, excess pericardial and peritoneal fluid, and usually enteritis with diarrhoea. Histopathology reveals a multifocal acute hepatocellular necrosis with fibrin and occasional haemorrhage. Control measures trialled include use of antibiotics, improved biosecurity and hygiene, as well as management practices directed at reducing stress in flocks. However, none other than treatment with antibiotics has been consistently effective which suggested a bacterial aetiology. In 2015, a novel fastidious thermophilic, microaerobic campylobacter was isolated from symptomatic SLD flocks in the UK. Subsequently, an Australian group isolated and further characterised a genetically similar bacterium and named it Campylobacter hepaticus. The bacterium can be cultured from the liver and bile of infected birds, although recovery from non-sterile organs such as the caecum and duodenum remains elusive. Consequently, the route of transmission remains unconfirmed, although molecular detection by PCR of C. hepaticus DNA in the gastrointestinal tract and faeces of SLD infected birds is highly suggestive of a faecal-oral route. |
Keywords | Avian Vibrionic Hepatitis, Spotty Liver Disease, Campylobacter hepaticus |
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020 | 300903. Veterinary bacteriology |
Public Notes | Files associated with this item cannot be displayed due to copyright restrictions. |
Byline Affiliations | University of Southern Queensland |
University of Sydney | |
Institution of Origin | University of Southern Queensland |
Funding source | Grant ID 1BS805SQ |
https://research.usq.edu.au/item/q6337/spotty-liver-disease-a-review-of-an-ongoing-challenge-in-commercial-free-range-egg-production
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