Pathological Investigation of Fowl Adenovirus Infections Associated with Respiratory Diseases in Broilers

Abstract

Objective: The present study was aimed at pathological investigation of fowl adenovirus infections associated with respiratory diseases in broilers in and around Indore. Materials and Methods: Broiler mortalities with respiratory symptoms from 12 farms in the Indore region were examined for gross lesion and microscopically, with a focus on postmortem investigations to detect Fowl Adenovirus (FAdV) infections. Results: Clinically affected broilers exhibited signs of lethargy, huddling, facial oedema, reduced feed and water intake, and severe respiratory distress, including laboured breathing and nasal discharge. Postmortem findings revealed gross lesions in the trachea, lungs, and liver. The gross lesions ranged from mild congestion to severe haemorrhages. Microscopically, deciliation and basophilic intranuclear viral inclusions were observed. Pulmonary lesions included focal emphysema, haemorrhages, and red hepatization, while hepatic lesions showed enlargement, congestion, and necrosis. Microscopically, intranuclear viral inclusions were evident in both the lungs and liver, further indicating adenoviral replication in these organs. Based on symptoms, gross lesions and microscopic lesions with the presence of intranuclear basophilic inclusion bodies in respiratory epithelium, it is concluded that Fowl adenovirus is involved in the respiratory diseases of broilers in Indore and nearby areas. Fowl adenovirus infection in birds causes mild to severe respiratory distress resulting in low to high mortality.