Anatomical and Ethological Changes in Poultry Affected by Osteopetrosis

Abstract

An integral veterinary hygiene survey in a farm rearing stock layers, 4 months of age, has been performed to throw light on the unknown etiology of sporadic osteopetrosis outbreaks. Observations (ethological and anatomical) were conducted to evidence the development of the disease. The welfare of affected birds was assessed as poor after detailed analysis of all elements of housing environment. This was the cause for the development of the severe illness regardless of the fact that birds were preliminary vaccinated

Keywords

• anatomical and ethological changes
• osteopetrosis
• poultry
• welfare