Diagnostic summary of 1986 turkey, broiler breeder, and layer necropsy cases at the University of Georgia

Turkey, broiler breeder, and layer cases submitted for necropsy in 1986 to the University of Georgia were categorized by diagnosis, grouped by clinical features, season, age, and presenting history, and evaluated for statistically significant patterns. The most commonly diagnosed diseases were: fowl cholera in turkeys, 64 cases (34.4% of cases; 26.2% of diagnoses); staphylococcal arthritis/synovitis (SA/S) in broiler breeders, 35 cases (20.7%; 17.7%); and osteomalacia in layers, 17 cases (21.0%; 15.6%). In turkeys, fowl cholera, colibacillosis, and aspergillosis were significantly more common in the fourth, second, and third quarters of the year, respectively; enteritis and viral enteritis were more common in early grow-out, and osteomyelitis, SA/S, and synovitis were greatest in late grow-out. Overall, musculoskeletal problems in turkeys were more common in the third quarter and were less common in the first and fourth quarters. Erysipelas occurred most frequently in turkeys 50 to 112 days of age. In both broiler breeders and layers, SA/S was more common in the second quarter, and a history of musculoskeletal problems was less common in both post-peak-production broiler breeders and layers. Fowl pox was more common in the fourth quarter and in late-production broiler breeders. In layers, osteomalacia and Marek's disease were more common in the first and fourth quarters, respectively.