P 0 U L TRY P 0 ST -M0 RT EM TEe H N I Q U l!

S 317

POULTRY POST-MORTEM TECHNIQUES

By R. W. WHITE
Imperiol Chemical lruJustries, Ltd., Biological Laboratorks, Wilmslow, Cheshire_

Introduction
BECAUSE 0.£ the comparatively low value of the unit in a poultry flock, and
of the non-specific character of clinical symptoms displayed by ailing birds,
post-mortem examinations are used to a very much greater extent than in almost
any other kind of farm stock. It appears that during the next few years even
lllQre attention will be given to the subject. Every animal species presents special
problems of clinical and laboratory diagnosis and it is essential to know the
conditions most likely to be encountered and the simplest method of exact
diagnosis. The subsequent account is based on experience gained when working
at the Seale-Hayne Agricultural College, Newton Abbot, Devon, in the laboratory
of Mr. C. V. Watkins, M.R.C.V.S., D.V.S.M., the Veterinary Investigation Officer
for the South-Western Provinces.

Techniques Adopted
These are conveniently grouped under the following six headings:-
(1) Preparation, examination for external parasites, and opening of carcase.
(2) Examination of organs in siJtu.
(3) Examination for internal parasites.
(4) Bacteriological examination (primary).
(5) Completion of post-mortem examination.
(6) Specific laboratory techniques.
(1) PreparaJion, Examination for Erte:rnal PMasites, etc.
Note the condition of the bird, and whether it was killed for examination
or allowed to die. Spreadeagle on its back on a suitable-sized wooden board-
for adults a good working size is 18 in. by 13 in. to take a single bird, and for
chicks 12 in. by 10 in. to take two or three birds; boards are slightly raised at one
end. Secure the bird in position by means of nails through the wings and feet,
or by tapes; for chicks, use wood- or bone-handled pins, which are durable and
may be readily sterilised.
Whilst handling the bird at this stage the tibio-tarsal joint (commonly called
the" hock") is examined for the condition known as slipped hock, in which the
tendons are found obviously displaced to one side; where this condition occurs in
a number of birds simultaneously in a flock it represents a mineral deficiency
condition which is known as perosis.
Any excessive number of lice (Menopon, Lipeurus and Goniocotes spp.) or
fleas ( Ceratophyllus gallina?) will be noticed as they tend to seek the warmth of
the operator's hands. Examine for red mites (Dermanyssus gallima) , smaller
than lice and darker in colour; these are important parasites capable of causing
death; they will often crawl or drop out onto the board and should be identified
by microscopical examination. The feet and legs are examined for the crusts