Introduction
Ascites is an accumulation of non-inflammatory fluid in one or more of the abdominal spaces. There may be clots of yellow
material in the fluid.
Ascites caused by right ventricular failure (RVF) has been an important cause of illness and death in meat-type (broiler)
chickens worldwide. The number of cases in the U.K., Canada and the U.S. increased during the past decade, and coincided with
broilers' continuing genetic and nutritional improvement in feed efficiency and rate of growth.
The incidence of ascites ranged from 1% to 2% in 1995 in Western Canada, and from 0% to 30% in 2002 in U.S. broiler flocks.
Ascites syndrome has both economic and welfare implications for the broiler industry due to bird suffering, increased late
mortality and condemnation (Kalmar et al., 2013).
Clinical Signs
Mortality from ascites is greatest in birds at the end of their rearing period. Occasionally, young broilers will develop ascites,
particularly in poor nutritional and environmental conditions.
Since growth stops as RVF develops, affected broilers may be smaller than their pen mates. Their abdomen is distended with
fluid (hence "water-belly"), and the pressure results in an increased respiratory rate and reduced exercise tolerance. Clinically
affected broilers might show open beak breathing, cyanosis of the comb and wattles, dullness and/or depression, abnormally
slow heart rate and/or red abdominal skin with congested blood vessels.
Prevention
Slowing growth to reduce the oxygen required after 30-35 days of age can prevent ascites caused by primary pulmonary
hypertension. Restricting feed, feeding a mash diet, using a less energy-dense diet or decreasing daylight hours in the barn
could accomplish this.
Control environmental temperature, litter moisture, humidity and air quality to prevent excessive body heat loss and to maintain
bird health. Monitor sodium levels in feed and water to prevent salt intoxication. Altitudes above 900 m are inadequate for meattype chickens, and growth must be slowed to prevent mortality (Kahn, 2005).
References
Julian, R.J. The effect of increased sodium in the drinking water on right ventricular hypertrophy, right ventricular failure and
ascites in broiler chickens. Avian Pathology 16: 61-71, 1987.
Kalmar, I.D., et al. Broiler ascites syndrome: Collateral damage from efficient feed to meat conversion. The Veterinary Journal
(2013).
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.03.011 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.03.01>
Kahn, C.M., S. Line, ed. The Merck Veterinary Manual (9th ed.). (2005). Ascites syndrome. p. 2,269-2,270 Philadelphia, PA: Merck
& Co., Inc.
Wideman, R., D. Rhoads, G. Erf, and N. Anthony. (2012). Pulmonary arterial hypertension (ascites syndrome) in broilers: A review.
Poultry Science, 92, 64-83.