Prevalence of Aflatoxicosis in Broiler Chickens in Quetta, Pakistan

Abstract

Abstract.-A base line study was conducted to determine the prevalence of aflatoxicosis in broiler chickens in and around Quetta district during the period June 2009 to May 2010. The study was based on the examination of sick and dead birds (n=1105 broiler chickens). Congested and oedematous carcass, hemorrhages, yellowish brown or pale liver; swollen kidneys; atrophy of bursa and thymus were the common necropsy findings. Thin layer Chromatographic analysis of liver samples of suspected birds was carried out for the confirmation of aflatoxin. Aflatoxin contents of analyzed samples ranged between 3.0 -11.7 µg/kg. It was recorded that 8.78% (n=97) birds were aflatoxicosis positive. The highest season wise prevalence was recorded in autumn (13.29%) and the lowest in winter (5.1%). It is concluded that existing situation of aflatoxicosis need strict surveillance to monitor the problem. There should be a campaign among public to create awareness about toxicological effects of aflatoxins and development of good laboratory facilities for confirmation of disease. Further use of aflatoxin ameliorators should be promoted to limit the problem

    Similar works