Observations on an outbreak of fowl typhoid in commercial laying birds in Udi, South Eastern Nigeria

Observations made in an outbreak of fowl typhoid in 11,000 laying birds in Udi, South Eastern Nigeria are reported. The commercial laying flock had daily mortality of 1.8% with total mortality of 25%. Major clinical signs observed were greenish/yellowish diarrhoea and marked reduction in egg production. At necropsy, enlarged dark greenish liver and enlarged spleen were observed. Pericarditis and egg peritonitis were also evident. Pure cultures of Salmonella gallinarum were obtained from all the internal organs cultured. Histological section of the liver showed hepatitis, necrosis of the Kupffer cells, and infiltration of the mononuclear cells. Intestinal section showed enteritis elongated crypts, and total loss of villi. About 8,250 layers recovered from the Salmonella infection after treatment with flumequine. Egg production was gradually restored to 70%. Improved biosecurity measures and vaccine administration are suggested ways of preventing salmonellosis in poultry farms.