Sudden Death Syndrome in chicken: A review

摘要

Sudden death is a condition in apparently healthy fast growing broilers. Chickens die suddenly without any previous signs. Broilers of all ages are subjected to sudden death starting as early as 2 days of age and up to market age. Sudden death may occur due to infectious or non infectious causes. Infectious causes include viral and bacterial causes are the most predominant. Also, Mycotoxicosis may cause sudden death due to ingestion of ration contaminated with mycotoxins . Among non infectious causes, nutrition, management and high intensity and lighting which appear to increase the incidence of Sudden death. This condition is characterized by a short wing beating convulsions prior to death and majority of affected broilers are found dead lying on their backs, Condition often been referred as “Flip-Over Disease” . This condition causes major economic losses in broilers industry worldwide for many years. The mean mortality rate due to sudden death syndrome was 3 - 9 % and peak mortality usually occurs between 3 and 4 weeks of age. There is no proper treatment and preventive measures for control of sudden death syndrome but incidence can be reduced by massive vaccination program, hygienic measurements and managemental techniques.