Also known as Dissecting aneurism, Turkey heart attack
Aortic rupture (Dissecting aneurism, turkey heart attack) occurs worldwide in fast growing, healthy turkeys between 7-24 weeks. With a higher incidence in males. Mode of transmission is unknown, genetics and/or nutrition may play a role. It causes high blood pressure. The birds die suddenly due to internal haemorrhage and flop on their backs.
- Causes of Aortic rupture >
- Effects of Aortic rupture >
- Diagnosis of Aortic rupture >
- Treatment & Control of Aortic rupture >
Causes of Aortic rupture
Fast-growing, healthy, heaviest turkeys and broilers may die suddenly between 7 and 24 weeks of age. The disease has a higher incidence in males. The disease is non-contagious, and is caused by the development of intimal plaques in the abdominal aorta. Higher blood pressure in involved, and so genetics and/or nutrition may play a role.
Special note:
Genetic strains differ in blood pressure level and incidence of the disease. Reduction in incidence due to breeding has been seen.
Genetic strains differ in blood pressure level and incidence of the disease. Reduction in incidence due to breeding has been seen.
Effects of Aortic rupture
Heavy fast growing birds die suddenly due to internal haemorrhage and flop on there backs. Mortality rarely reaches 2% of the flock. It is most common between 12 and 16 weeks of age.
Postmortem lesions
A dissecting aneurysm close to the kidneys or testes is seen with blood in the abdominal cavity. The head, skin and musculature are anaemic. Occasionally, blood will run out of the mouth or the oral cavity will be blood-stained.
Diagnosis of Aortic rupture
There is a longitudinal slit in the aorta between the external iliac and the sciatic arteries. A marked intimal thickening or a large fibrous intimal plague often occurs in the region or rupture. These microscopic lesions with clinical signs are characteristic.
Treatment & Control of Aortic rupture
Slowing growth rate with reduced energy level in the feed, or feed restriction using a lighting programme, or the use of mash feed. These management factors will reduce the disease, but at a cost of reduced growth.
Reserpine in the feed can control the condition.
