What should be included in the differential diagnoses for a poultry flock with acute mortality?

When considering differential diagnoses for acute mortality in a poultry flock, it is critical to recognize that multiple diseases and issues can lead to sudden deaths, each with distinct pathologies.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and Newcastle disease are both zoonotic viral infections with high morbidity and mortality rates in birds. HPAI often manifests quickly with severe clinical signs and can decimate flocks rapidly. Newcastle disease, similarly, presents with acute signs and substantial mortality, making these two diseases top contenders in differential diagnoses for sudden deaths in poultry.

Marek's disease and Infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) should also be considered. Marek's disease, a viral infection, can lead to neurologic signs and tumors, while ILT typically causes respiratory distress and can lead to sudden death in severely affected birds. Though these diseases may not typically present with immediate fatalities like HPAI and Newcastle disease, they still deserve consideration in the broader context of poultry health, especially if the population has not been vaccinated or has underlying stress factors.

Fowl cholera, a bacterial infection caused by Pasteurella multocida, is another significant disease that can cause acute mortality in flocks. The role of management problems, including poor biosecurity measures