SWOLLEN HEAD SYNDROME

Name ; Rochak khakural

Roll no ; 30
6th semester, B.V.Sc & A.H ,NPI
Presented to ; Dr. Pawan Acharya
Assistant Professor

(M.V.Sc Pathology )
INTRODUCTION
• Swollen head syndrome (SHS) is an acute , highly contagious upper
respiratory tract infection of poultry .
• It is a complicated infection in broilers and broiler breeders .

Aetiology
• The primary aetiological agent is Avain pneumovirus(APV) from
Paramyxoviridae family and the secondary usually E.coli
• This virus is classified into four subtypes (A,B,C and D).
• The virus is enveloped , single-stranded ,RNA virus 80-200nm .
• Others disease associated with this virus include Turkey rhinotracheitis
(TRT) and Avian rhinotracheitis (ART).
 EPIDEMIOLOGY
• The swollen head syndrome affects chickens and guinea fowl .
• Respiratory signs occur in young birds and the adults are affected
by drops in egg production.

TRANSMISSION
• The transmission of the virus is lateral by aerosol through the respiratory
route .
• It is spread by both airborne and mechanical routes (feed, water, and
equipment)
PATHOGENESIS
• SHS induces acute, highly contagious infection of upper respiratory
tract.
• The main target cells are epithelial cells, but macrophages also carry
the virus.
• Infection leads to clumping & loss of cilia, which allows secondary
pathogens to invade.
• Immunosuppressive potential of virus, supports replication of
coinfecting pathogens.
• It infects all age group, although younger birds seems to be more
susceptible.
• Coughing associated with lower respiratory tract involvement may
lead to prolapse of uterus in laying poultry.
 CLINICAL SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
• It is characterized by respiratory and nervous signs .
• Respiratory signs occur in young birds and adults are affected by drops in egg
production usually by 5% to 30%.
• The first clinical signs are sneezing , coughing , nasal discharge and
conjuctivites.
• A profuse tear secretion , reddened conjunctivas and a characteristic oblong
almond like shape of eyes are observed .
• High incidence of soft and thin-shelled eggs.
• Swelling of peri- and infraorbital sinuses, frothy eyes, nasal discharge,
torticollis , and opisthotonous due to ear infection .
• These respiratory signs are accompanied by depression, anorexia, and ruffled
feathers .
• Typically, <4% of the flock is affected , although respiratory sign may be
widespread .
• The incubation period is 3-7 days .
• Mortality may be 1% - 50% depending on age and constitution of the flock as
well as secondary infections .
 GROSS LESIONS

• Macroscopic lesions depend on the course of infection, especially on

secondary bacterial infections.
• Gross lesions are induced due to rhinitis, sinusitis, and airsacculitis .
• Serous to turbid mucus may be observed in the nasal cavity, nasal
turbinates , trachea, and in infraorbital sinuses.
• During the course of infection , the secreted mucus turns from clear and
serous to turbid and purulent .
• Subcutaneous oedema in head regions, involving unilaterally or bilaterally
the periorbital sinuses &mandibular space , are emerging .
• In addition, pneumonia, pericarditis, perihepatitis, splenomegaly, and
hepatomegaly are seen.
 MICROSCOPIC LESIONS

Fig: a) Haemorrhage and inflammtory necrotic b)Subcutaneous inflammatory cell oedema

lesions affecting the pneumatized skull bone. in the regions of the head

• Initial lesions after infection, reveals loss of cilia, increased glandular activity,
congestion, and mild mononuclear infiltration of the submucosa.
• The most pronounced microscopic lesions are found in the mucosa or the
nasalturbinates, which is the suitable tissue for microscopic evaluation.
• The harderian glands and lacrimal glands may also show infiltration of
lymphocytes and formulation of lymphoid follicle-like structures in interstitial
 DIAGNOSIS
• History
• Clinical signs
• Physical examination
• The only way to know for sure that a bird has SHS is by isolation and
identification of AMPV in tests conducted at a veterinary diagnostic
laboratory.
• Test is performed on the nasal secretions or tissue scrapings, taken
form the sinus and turbinates of chickens during the early stage of
infection.
• The various tests available include real-time polymerase chain
reaction (RT-PCR), immunohistochemistry, and enzyme linked
immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or serum neutralization.
 DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
• Avian influenza ;Oedema of head with swollen sinuses , cyanotic necrotic
foci in liver, spleen, kidneys and lungs , diarrhoea ,Perivascular cuffing in
brain.
• Chronic respiratory disease ;Sniffling, sneezing, coughing , retarded
growth , wet noses, loss in egg production ,lameness .
• Newcastle disease ;Greenish Diarrhoea , oedemas absent or less marked ,
Endothelial cuffing found .
• Mycoplasma infection ;Conjuctivitis , tracheal rales ,nasal discharge ,
sinusitis in turkey , dirty nostrils .
• Pasteurella infection; Cyanosis (skin , wattles &comb), swollen wattles,
ruffled feathers , mucous discharge from mouth , green watery diarrhea .
• Skin form of Aspergillosis; Respiratory distress due to lung damage,
Anorexia and weight loss ,lethargy & depression ,Airsacculitis .
THANK YOU !!