Ionophore toxicity occurs worldwide in all poultry species of all ages however turkeys and adults are more susceptible. It is caused by Ionophores are common anticoccidial and antibacterial feed additives. Toxicity occurs when high levels are ingested through feed.
- Causes of Ionophore toxicity >
- Effects of Ionophore toxicity >
- Diagnosis of Ionophore toxicity >
- Treatment & Control of Ionophore toxicity >
Causes of Ionophore toxicity
Ionophores are common anticoccidial and antibacterial feed additives. They facilitate the movement of alkali metallic actions, such as Na+, across cell membranes. Ingestion of food with high levels of ionophores can cause acute toxicity in all birds (adults are most susceptible). Toxic levels cause potassium to leave and calcium to enter the cells, resulting in cell death.
Special note
Monensin and sulphur drugs may accentuate ionophore toxicity.
Effects of Ionophore toxicity
Signs include birds down on their sides with partial paralysis and legs extended, anorezia, weakness, drop in egg production, dyspnoea and dehydration. Mortality is variable, but may exceed 70%.
Postmortem lesions
Lesions include opaque fibrin plaques on the epicardium, haemorrhage in coronary fat and decreased liver weight.
Pallor and atrophy of muscle fibres of the legs and back can also be seen.
Diagnosis of Ionophore toxicity
Diagnosis is by feed analysis.
Clinical signs, gross and microscopic lesions are suggestive. Scattered areas of hyalinisation with heart and muscle necrosis and myofibril degeneration and necrosis are important lesions.
It simulates Marek’s Disease (MD), Nitrofuran Toxicity, Selenium Deficiency (myopathy), Avian Encephalomyelitis (AE), and Cassia Occidentalis (Coffee bean) toxicity.
Treatment & Control of Ionophore toxicity
Prevention
Spot checking feed will help prevent the disease.
Spot checking feed will help prevent the disease.
Treatment
Fresh feed will discontinue clinical signs. About 75% of broiler diets contain ionophores.
