| INFECTIOUS SYNOVITIS Enlarged Hock Disease |
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Causative Agent: Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) |
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Transmission: 1. Through the ovary of infected chicken. 2. Horizonal via the respiratory tract. |
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Incubation Period: 1 to 21 days |
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Morbidity: Low or only few birds become infected. |
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Mortality: Low or only few birds become infected. |
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Age Group affected: All ages. |
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Signs: 1. Lameness is the main clinical sign. 2. Respiratory signs are only secondary. 3. Decrease egg production on layer birds. 4. Paleness of the comb. 5. Retrarded growth and ruffled feathers. |
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Gross Lesions: 1. Joints and tendon sheaths - contain a sticky viscid, gray to yellowish excudate. 2. Spleen - grossly enlarged. 3. Liver - groosly swollen and green in color due to bile stain. 4. Intestines - proximal half with entertitis. 5. Air sacs - thickened and cloudy. 6. Breast muscles - presence of blisters due to trauma from sitting. |
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Diagnosis: 1. Isolation and identification of Ms 2. Serological test: RPT and HIT. |
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Differential Diagnosis: 1. Viral arthritis. 2. Bumble foot / Staphylococcosis. 4. Pasteurellosis. |
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Prevention: 1. Giving the birds a low level antibiotic in the feed continuosly. 2. Vaccination. 3. Observe proper hygiene and sanitation. |
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Control: 1. Separate housing limit, lateral spread and egg transmission. 2. Antibiotic dipping of eggs. 3. Breeding birds injected with anti-mycoplasma drugs at monthly intervals or periodically given in the drinking water. 4. Provision of good ventilation and sanitation of housing will minimize occurence. |
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Recommended Medication: 1. Chlortetracycline. 2. Furazolidone. 3. Spectinomycin. |
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