Ethological Model for Diagnosis of Infectious Encephalomyelitis in Broiler Chickens

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to establish the specific symptomatic ethological pathognomonic complex of infectious encephalomyelitis in poultry. The behavioural changes were monitored in 2-week-old broiler chickens (total number 10,500 housed in three premises). The typical pathoethological manifestations of infectious encephalomyelitis were investigated in broiler chickens through six behavioural activities – locomotion, appetite, water drinking, pareses, paralyses, posture. As a result of the survey, the specific ethological pathognomonic complex for infectious encephalomyelitis in chickens was identified. These clinical manifestations of a pathoethological complex and specific behavioural activities could be used to support the diagnosis.

Keywords

• diagnosis
• infectious encephalomyelitis
• pathoethology
• poultry