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Mortality in poultry due to aortic rupture is characterized by sudden death. The condition is seen in fast-growing male turkeys but has also been described in chickens, ostriches, and waterfowl. Losses in affected flocks usually only reach 1-2%. Post-mortem examination shows a large blood clot in the abdominal cavity subsequent to a dissecting aneurysm. Fragmentation of elastic fibres and degenerative changes of smooth muscle cells are seen in the region of the rupture. Intimal sclerotic plaques are present adjacent to the site of rupture. Copper deficiency, hypertension, hormonal influences, diet, lathyrism, zinc deficiency, pharmaceuticals, and parasites are precipitating factors for aortic rupture. Field studies suggest that favourable results are obtained with reserpine and copper as treatment for ruptured aorta.

Field studies in 160 flocks of broiler chickens in two areas in the Netherlands showed that Mycoplasma synoviae infection, the presence of which was detected by serological testing in 17.5 per cent, had only a slight adverse effect on the results of fattening. Mycoplasma synoviae as well as IB infections were found to be more common in flocks affected with colibacillosis and/or in which higher proportions of birds were condemned because of polyserositis. Infectious bursal disease, IB and CELO virus infections are very common particularly in the southern areas of the Netherlands, and have a significantly adverse effect on the results of fattening. The findings suggest that vaccination against IB and Gumboro disease often fails in flocks in areas showing a high incidence of infection.