Pathological changes and occurrence of infections related to gastrointestinal tract of poultry in Southern Rajasthan

Damor, P.K., Kumari, M., Sharma, D.K., Morwal, S., Singh, G. and Yadav, V. 2024. Pathological changes and occurrence of infections particularly related to gastrointestinal tract of poultry in Southern Rajasthan. Indian Journal of Poultry Science, 59(3): 361–367. Poultry is continuously exposed to a wide variety of infectious agents leading to disturbances in Gastro-intestinal system. This study was carried out to study the mortality pattern of poultry and pathological conditions associated with gastrointestinal tract affections in poultry reared in Southern Rajasthan. A thorough postmortem examination of poultry carcasses was done. Samples of heart blood, liver and intestine were taken to isolate microorganisms. Different conditions encountered were Colibacillosis (23.34 %), Salmonellosis (4.59 %), parasitic infections (2.79 %, roundworm and tapeworm), Ascites (1.38 %) other bacterial infections (0.99 %; Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection). Maximum mortality was observed in winter followed by the rainy season. Overall maximum mortality was observed in the 6–12 week age group (27.38 %) and lowest in 0–1 week age group (11.90 %). Congestion, hemorrhages, necrosis, and inflammation were predominant lesions encountered in various internal organs. Collibacillosis and Salmonellosis were the major bacterial infections found in poultry.