Exudative diathesis in an organized poultry farm

This communication records a severe out break of Vit. E deficiency manifested as Exudative diathesis in chicks in Govt. Poultry Farm in Himachal Pradesh. Out of total 1200 chicks in the farm about 450 exhibited symptoms namely in coordination partial paralysis of wings, prostration and accumulation of greenish exudate in the ventral subcutoaenous pectoral region. The overall mortality observed was 16.6%. On necropsy the cerebellum was soft and swollen with petechial haemorrhages on the cerebellar surface. Histopathological studies revealed disruption of muscle fibres with edema and hyperemia of meningeal and cerebral vessels. The remaining chicks were treated with vito E dry powder 50% (Merck) @ 10 gm/quintal of feed for 2 weeks. Following this therapeutic regimen, mortality was altogether checked.