HYDROPERICARDIUM HEPATITIS SYNDROME IN CHICKENS/ARTICLE REVIEW

Abstract

Hydropericardium hepatitis syndrome is an acute infectious disease of broiler chickens characterized by high mortality, accumulation of fluids in the pericardial sac and necrosis of hepatocytes, during 1987 the virus was isolated from chickens in Angara near Karachi city in Pakistan and the disease takes it is name of this city. It is reported in China in 2015 in birds of 3-6 weeks in broiler chickens causing sudden death with high mortality reaches up to 75%. Avian adenovirus divided into 3genrea: Atadodenovirus, Siadenovirus, and Aviadenovirus the last one divided in to 5 species A to E subgroup1 strain 4 causing (Hydropericardium hepatitis syndrome). Subgroup 2 causing turkey (hemorrhagic enteritis, marble spleen disease). Subgroup 3 causing (Egg drop syndrome EDS). strain D and E produce inclusion body hepatitis while strain 1 causing (quill bronchitis). outbreaks of the disease producing economic losses for the poultry industry. Both vertical and horizontal transmission have an important role in the spreading of the disease. gross examination of the liver showing friable, enlargement, paleness of the liver. the kidney is swelling and hemorrhage with pale areas of necrosis in the parenchyma, pericardium is filled with clear or jelly fluids but histological changes showing hepatitis, nephritis and presence of basophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies. There are many tests can be used for the diagnosis such as PCR, ELISA, neutralization test. We concluded that the disease has economic importance due to high mortality and high losses of chicken’s meat production, so, biosecurity and vaccination are essential for preventing the infection.