Fatty Liver Haemorrhagic Syndrome (FLHS) in Broilers

Abstract

Fatty liver haemorrhagic syndrome (FLHS) in poultry is a metabolic disease. An outbreak of fatty liver haemorrhagic syndrome (FLHS) was detected by post mortem examination of broilers in a commercial farm. There was severe loss of production and sudden deaths with moderate mortality. Post mortem of the dead birds were performed and histopathological examination was done as per standard procedure. At necropsy, dead birds had pale combs and wattles with significant liver lesions. The liver was enlarged, friable and greasy, yellowish brown with firm fatty layer deposits and haematoma was noticed in abdominal cavity. Fat vacuoles were seen in liver sections which was also confirmed by special stain. Multiple factors like high dietary energy and stress of production may have precipitated the FLHS in broilers.