{"id":20517,"date":"2026-10-10T09:38:22","date_gmt":"2026-10-10T02:38:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/?p=20517"},"modified":"2026-10-09T19:00:57","modified_gmt":"2026-10-09T12:00:57","slug":"liver-disease-in-poultry","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/en\/industry-news\/liver-disease-in-poultry\/","title":{"rendered":"Liver Disease in Poultry: Causes, Signs, and Prevention"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cLiver disease\u201d in poultry is not a single disease.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The liver can be affected by many different groups of causes, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Viruses.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bacteria.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Parasites.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mycotoxins.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chemicals or toxic substances.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nutritional imbalances.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Metabolic disorders.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Neoplastic diseases.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The difficulty is that external signs are often non-specific. Chickens may show only:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reduced feed intake.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Poor growth.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Poor feed conversion ratio (FCR).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reduced egg production.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depression.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increased mortality.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At the same time, findings such as <\/span><b>a yellow liver, enlarged liver, distended gallbladder, or green droppings<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are not sufficient to determine the cause.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A more appropriate approach is therefore to combine:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>flock age \u2192 mortality pattern \u2192 feed quality \u2192 post-mortem lesions \u2192 lesions in other organs \u2192 appropriate laboratory testing.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><b>Abnormal liver findings at post-mortem: 5 directions to investigate<\/b><\/h2>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Observed lesion<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>What should be investigated further<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enlarged, pale, or yellow liver<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fat accumulation, FLHS, aflatoxin exposure, or certain infectious diseases<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Friable liver, haemorrhage, or blood in the abdominal cavity<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FLHS or other causes of liver damage and haemorrhage<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Multiple white, yellow, or grey necrotic foci<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Infectious disease, histomoniasis, or systemic bacterial infection depending on the overall disease pattern<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Multiple nodules or tumours<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Marek\u2019s disease, avian leukosis, or another neoplastic disease<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Abnormal liver with rapidly increasing mortality<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conduct a complete post-mortem examination, review flock age, feed and vaccination history, and collect samples early where appropriate<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><b>The cause should not be diagnosed from liver colour alone.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Flock age, mortality pattern, lesions in other organs, feed history, and appropriate testing are needed to narrow the differential diagnosis.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>1. An abnormal liver does not automatically mean a primary \u201cliver disease\u201d<\/b><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_20503\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20503\" style=\"width: 959px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-20503\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/istockphoto-1218062047-612x612-1.jpg\" alt=\"Veterinarian examining a chicken during a poultry health assessment\" width=\"969\" height=\"646\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/istockphoto-1218062047-612x612-1.jpg 612w, https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/istockphoto-1218062047-612x612-1-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 969px) 100vw, 969px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-20503\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">An abnormal liver does not automatically indicate a single liver disease; diagnosis should consider flock age, clinical signs, lesions in other organs, feed history, and appropriate testing.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The liver performs many important functions, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Carbohydrate metabolism.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lipid metabolism.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Protein synthesis.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bile production.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Storage of selected nutrients.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Metabolism and elimination of many substances.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regulation of processes involved in growth and reproduction.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When the liver is affected, flock performance may include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reduced weight gain.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Poor FCR.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reduced egg production.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reduced egg quality.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Poorer overall health.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increased mortality.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, liver lesions should be considered within several different categories.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Hepatitis<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hepatitis is inflammation of liver tissue and may be associated with:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Viruses.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bacteria.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Parasites.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Certain toxic substances.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Fatty liver<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fatty liver refers to abnormal lipid accumulation within hepatocytes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It may be associated with:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prolonged positive energy balance.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Metabolic disorders.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High egg-production periods.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Certain toxins.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Toxic liver injury<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Certain mycotoxins or chemicals may cause:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hepatocellular necrosis.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lipid accumulation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Haemorrhage.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reduced liver function.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Hepatic tumours<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Marek\u2019s disease and avian leukosis may produce tumours or abnormal cellular infiltration in the liver.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These cases should not simply be grouped under the term \u201chepatitis.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>2. Using liver lesions to guide the differential diagnosis<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Post-mortem examination is valuable because it helps move from non-specific clinical signs to more specific lesion patterns.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, each lesion is only <\/span><b>suggestive<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, not a final diagnosis.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Enlarged liver<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hepatomegaly may occur with:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inflammation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Septicaemia.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fatty liver.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Neoplastic disease.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Certain viral diseases.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If only the liver is examined, identifying the cause can be difficult.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other organs should also be assessed, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spleen.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kidneys.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bursa of Fabricius.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heart.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lungs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Air sacs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Intestines.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Caeca.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Yellow or pale liver<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This may be associated with:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lipid accumulation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aflatoxicosis.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FLHS.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Certain infectious diseases.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, liver colour may also be influenced by:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Age.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diet.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pigments.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, chickens receiving diets rich in xanthophyll may have a more yellow liver without necessarily having FLHS.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Haemorrhagic liver<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Possible findings include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Petechial haemorrhages.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Larger areas of haemorrhage.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liver rupture.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blood clots in the abdominal cavity.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Possible causes vary widely and may include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FLHS.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Infectious disease.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Toxicosis.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other forms of injury.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Body condition, flock age, and mortality pattern should therefore also be evaluated.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Necrotic foci<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">White, yellow, or grey foci should be assessed according to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Number.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Size.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shape.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Distribution.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether similar lesions occur in other organs.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, in histomoniasis in turkeys, liver lesions should be assessed together with the <\/span><b>caeca<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Tumours<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the liver is:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Affected by multiple nodules.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Markedly enlarged.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Affected by localised or diffuse masses.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and lesions are also found in:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spleen.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kidneys.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bursa of Fabricius.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other organs.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">neoplastic diseases such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Marek\u2019s disease.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avian leukosis.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">should be included in the differential diagnosis.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Distended gallbladder<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A distended gallbladder may occur simply when poultry:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reduce feed intake.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stop eating for a period.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Therefore:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Gallbladder distension alone is not evidence of liver disease.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><b>3. When mortality rises rapidly in a young flock: which infectious diseases should be prioritised?<\/b><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_20505\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20505\" style=\"width: 784px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-20505\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/istockphoto-1250558402-612x612-1.jpg\" alt=\"Poultry health worker monitoring a young chicken flock inside a commercial poultry house\" width=\"794\" height=\"529\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/istockphoto-1250558402-612x612-1.jpg 612w, https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/istockphoto-1250558402-612x612-1-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 794px) 100vw, 794px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-20505\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">When mortality rises rapidly in a young flock, infectious diseases should be assessed according to flock age, mortality pattern, post-mortem lesions, and other epidemiological findings.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flock age is particularly important when interpreting liver lesions.<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some infectious diseases are most relevant in specific age groups or poultry species.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Fowl adenovirus and inclusion body hepatitis<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>Inclusion Body Hepatitis (IBH)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is associated with certain <\/span><b>fowl adenoviruses (FAdV)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> belonging to the genus <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aviadenovirus<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is particularly important in young broiler chickens.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Possible findings include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sudden increases in mortality.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depression.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ruffled feathers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Huddling.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yellow-green droppings.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enlarged liver.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pale or yellow liver.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Petechial haemorrhages.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Areas of necrosis.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">IBH and FAdV-associated hepatitis\u2013hydropericardium syndrome are often particularly relevant in chickens under approximately six weeks of age, although age distribution can vary according to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Viral strain.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flock status.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Epidemiological factors.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diagnosis should integrate:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flock age.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mortality pattern.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lesions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Histopathology.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PCR where appropriate.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FAdV detection alone should not automatically be interpreted as confirmation of IBH because adenoviruses may also be detected in some birds without compatible clinical disease.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Duck viral hepatitis<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Duck viral hepatitis is an acute disease of particular importance in <\/span><b>ducklings<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, especially during the first few weeks of life.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It may cause:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rapid death.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High mortality.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liver lesions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Certain neurological signs before death.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The term \u201cduck hepatitis\u201d should not be used as a general diagnosis for liver disease in all poultry species.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Septicaemia<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Several bacterial pathogens may cause liver lesions as part of systemic infection, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Salmonella<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> spp.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Escherichia coli<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pasteurella multocida<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In these situations, the liver is only one part of the disease process.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other organs should also be examined, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spleen.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heart.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lungs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Air sacs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Intestines.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other organs.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An abnormal liver alone should not be used to conclude that a pathogen is specifically causing \u201cliver disease.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Histomoniasis<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Histomonas meleagridis<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> causes histomoniasis, commonly known as blackhead disease.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The disease is particularly severe in turkeys.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Findings may include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severe caecal lesions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Characteristic necrotic lesions in the liver.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High mortality.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chickens can carry the organism and may have milder disease, although clinical disease can also occur.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When liver lesions raise suspicion of histomoniasis, the <\/span><b>caeca should also be examined<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> rather than focusing only on the liver.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Marek\u2019s disease and Gumboro disease<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Marek\u2019s disease may cause:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enlarged liver.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tumours.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Neoplastic cellular infiltration.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, it is a viral neoplastic disease rather than primary hepatitis.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gumboro disease, or infectious bursal disease, primarily affects:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The bursa of Fabricius.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The immune system.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It can increase susceptibility to secondary infection but should not be considered a typical primary cause of hepatitis.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>4. When feed is suspected: how can mycotoxin exposure be differentiated from infectious disease?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by certain moulds in feed ingredients or finished feed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Risk may increase when:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ingredients have high moisture content.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Storage conditions are hot and humid.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The feed store leaks.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feed is stored for prolonged periods.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ingredient management is poor.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, detecting damp or mouldy feed <\/span><b>does not automatically prove that mycotoxins are causing the disease problem<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Aflatoxin<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aflatoxin is one of the most important hepatotoxic mycotoxins in poultry.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Possible effects include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hepatocellular damage.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Necrosis.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lipid accumulation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Haemorrhage.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reduced protein synthesis.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Immunosuppression.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reduced weight gain.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Poor FCR.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reduced egg production.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clinical expression may be acute or chronic depending on:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exposure dose.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Duration of exposure.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Species.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Age.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flock health status.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Ochratoxin and other mycotoxins<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not all mycotoxins have the same primary target organ.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ochratoxin is particularly associated with:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nephrotoxicity.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Immunosuppression.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">although it may also affect the liver and other organs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other groups, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fumonisins.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trichothecenes.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">have different toxicity profiles.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is therefore not possible to identify the exact mycotoxin simply from liver lesions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>What should be done first when feed is suspected?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A practical sequence is:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Identify the feed batch currently being used.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Isolate or discontinue the suspect batch where the level of concern justifies doing so.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inspect feed-storage conditions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inspect ingredients.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Collect representative samples.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Record supplier and delivery information.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Submit samples for quantitative testing where required.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feed that does not visibly appear mouldy may still contain mycotoxins.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conversely, visible mould does not reveal the exact toxin or its concentration.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Toxin binders are not a solution for every situation<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The effectiveness of a toxin binder depends on:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mycotoxin type.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Product composition.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inclusion rate.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feed composition.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Level of exposure.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some products may bind aflatoxin more effectively, while performance against other mycotoxins may be lower.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Therefore:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>A toxin binder should not be used as justification for continuing to feed a batch that is suspected of posing a mycotoxin risk.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><b>5. In laying hens: when should FLHS be considered?<\/b><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_20507\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20507\" style=\"width: 742px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-20507\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/istockphoto-2182379527-612x612-1.jpg\" alt=\"Laying hens in a commercial poultry production area\" width=\"752\" height=\"501\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/istockphoto-2182379527-612x612-1.jpg 612w, https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/istockphoto-2182379527-612x612-1-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 752px) 100vw, 752px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-20507\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">In laying hens, an enlarged, pale, friable, and haemorrhagic liver with excess abdominal fat may raise suspicion of Fatty Liver Haemorrhagic Syndrome (FLHS).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><b>Fatty Liver Haemorrhagic Syndrome (FLHS)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is an important metabolic disorder in <\/span><b>laying hens<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Risk is often more relevant in:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High-producing hens.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Over-conditioned birds.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flocks with prolonged positive energy balance.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hot-weather periods.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some affected hens may die suddenly without obvious previous clinical signs.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Lesions that may raise suspicion of FLHS<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A combination may include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enlarged liver.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pale liver.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Very friable liver.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Petechial or larger haemorrhages.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blood clots in the abdominal cavity.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Excess abdominal fat.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In particular, <\/span><b>a friable haemorrhagic liver with blood in the abdominal cavity in laying hens<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is more suggestive of FLHS than liver colour alone.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>A yellow liver does not automatically mean FLHS<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A yellow liver may also be related to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diet.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pigmentation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aflatoxin exposure.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other forms of lipid accumulation.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Assessment should therefore also consider:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flock age.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stage of lay.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Body condition.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Abdominal fat.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Haemorrhagic lesions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diet.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Role of nutrition<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fatty liver can be associated with an imbalance between:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lipid synthesis.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lipid transport.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lipid utilisation.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Risk may increase where:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Energy intake exceeds requirements.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Physical activity is low.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Metabolic demand is high during lay.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The ration is imbalanced.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Metabolic stress is present.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Energy intake should not be increased excessively simply to stimulate egg production.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Methionine, choline, betaine, vitamin E, and selenium<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These nutrients all participate in important metabolic processes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Methionine.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choline.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Betaine.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vitamin E.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Selenium.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">should not be treated as general \u201cliver medicines\u201d when the basal diet already meets nutritional requirements.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Supplementation should be based on:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feed formulation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ingredients.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nutrient requirements.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Production stage.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Professional nutritional assessment.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>6. External signs that can easily be misinterpreted<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the difficulties with liver disorders is that clinical signs are often highly non-specific.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Green or yellow droppings<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Green droppings may occur when chickens:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eat less.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stop eating.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have systemic disease.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yellow or loose droppings may also be associated with:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Intestinal disease.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Infection.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feed changes.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Therefore:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Dropping colour alone is not sufficient to diagnose liver disease.<\/b><\/p>\n<h3><b>Pale or cyanotic comb<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This may be associated with:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anaemia.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blood loss.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cardiopulmonary disease.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Systemic illness.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severe haemorrhage associated with FLHS.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is not a liver-specific sign.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Reduced egg production<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liver dysfunction may affect production, but lower egg output may also result from:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stress.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Infectious disease.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nutrition.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lighting.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flock age.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Poor weight gain and poor FCR<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These may result from many problems, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nutritional imbalance.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Intestinal disease.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Respiratory disease.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Infection.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mycotoxin exposure.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Metabolic disorders.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Production indicators are therefore most useful when interpreted as <\/span><b>trends over time<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, rather than as standalone evidence of liver disease.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>7. When should post-mortem examination and laboratory testing be performed?<\/b><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_20509\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20509\" style=\"width: 967px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-20509\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/istockphoto-540996166-612x612-1.jpg\" alt=\"Veterinary professional collecting a sample from a young chicken for diagnostic testing\" width=\"977\" height=\"651\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/istockphoto-540996166-612x612-1.jpg 612w, https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/istockphoto-540996166-612x612-1-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 977px) 100vw, 977px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-20509\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Early post-mortem examination and sample collection should be considered when mortality increases, unusual liver lesions are present, or the suspected cause remains unclear.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A fixed rule such as \u201cwait 3\u20135 days if there is no improvement\u201d should not be followed when mortality is already increasing or unusual lesions are present.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Post-mortem examination and early sampling should be considered when:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Mortality exceeds expected levels.<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mortality increases rapidly.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Multiple birds die with similar lesions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Marked liver haemorrhage is present.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Multiple necrotic liver lesions are found.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">IBH is suspected.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mycotoxin exposure is suspected.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Septicaemia is suspected.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Multiple internal tumours are present.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The initial diagnosis does not match the lesions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Current treatment or management lacks a clear diagnostic basis.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Antimicrobial selection needs laboratory support.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Which birds should be selected for post-mortem examination?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Priority should generally be given to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Birds showing typical clinical signs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recently dead birds.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Carcasses that have been dead for too long may develop:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Post-mortem changes.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Secondary contamination.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">which can reduce diagnostic value.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Do not examine only the liver<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A suspected liver case should still include examination of:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spleen.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kidneys.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bursa of Fabricius.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Intestines.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Caeca.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heart.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Air sacs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other organs.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is particularly important for differentiating:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Systemic infectious diseases.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Neoplastic disease.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Histomoniasis.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Secondary causes of liver lesions.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>8. Collect samples according to the diagnostic question \u2014 not for a generic \u201cliver test\u201d<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is no single sample or storage method suitable for every diagnostic test.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The first question should be:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What cause is suspected, and what diagnostic question should the laboratory answer?<\/b><\/p>\n<h3><b>Histopathology<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Histopathology may help evaluate:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Necrosis.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inflammation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inclusion bodies.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Neoplasia.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other cellular changes.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Samples should include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lesion tissue.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A portion of relatively normal adjacent tissue where appropriate.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Samples should be fixed according to the diagnostic laboratory\u2019s instructions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>PCR or virology<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Samples should be selected according to the suspected pathogen.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depending on the disease, samples may include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liver.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spleen.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other relevant tissues.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A generic \u201cliver PCR panel\u201d should not be requested without a defined diagnostic suspicion.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Bacteriology<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Where bacterial infection is suspected:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Collect samples aseptically.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prioritise clinically affected or recently dead birds.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Where practical, collect samples before antimicrobial treatment.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Samples may be used for:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bacterial isolation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Identification.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Antimicrobial susceptibility testing.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Mycotoxin testing<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Where mycotoxin exposure is suspected, important samples generally include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finished feed.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Suspect feed ingredients.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Samples should be representative of the relevant batch.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Records should include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Batch number.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Delivery date.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Supplier.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Date feeding began.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Taking a single handful of feed from one location in the store may not represent the entire batch.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>9. Preventing liver problems at flock level requires multiple control points<\/b><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_20511\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20511\" style=\"width: 806px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-20511\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/istockphoto-1488564935-612x612-1.jpg\" alt=\"Veterinarian examining a chicken as part of flock-level disease prevention\" width=\"816\" height=\"544\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/istockphoto-1488564935-612x612-1.jpg 612w, https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/istockphoto-1488564935-612x612-1-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 816px) 100vw, 816px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-20511\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Preventing liver problems in poultry requires multiple control points, including feed quality, mycotoxin management, nutrition, water, biosecurity, and flock-health monitoring.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No single product or intervention can prevent every cause of liver disease.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prevention requires several complementary measures.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Breeding-source control<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Priority should be given to sources that:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are traceable.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have clear flock-health programmes.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are suitable for the production system.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Disease-specific vaccination<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is no general \u201cliver disease vaccine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Marek\u2019s disease has specific vaccines.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gumboro disease has specific vaccines.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FAdV vaccines are used in some countries and production programmes to control IBH\/HHS.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Actual use depends on:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vaccine registration status.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Epidemiological risk.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Relevant serotype.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breeder-flock programme.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Veterinary advice.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Feed management<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feed should not simply continue to be used without further assessment when it:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Has an abnormal odour.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is damp.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is caked.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is clearly spoiled.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shows substantial mould growth.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feed storage should be:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dry.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Well ventilated.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Protected from leaks.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Feed should be stored appropriately off the floor<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, with effective insect and rodent control.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Retaining feed samples<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keeping representative samples from each feed batch can be very useful.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This supports:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Traceability.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Comparison across production periods.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Laboratory testing if a problem develops.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Water management<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Farms should monitor:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Water source.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Storage tanks.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Biofilm in pipelines.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drinkers or nipple systems.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contaminated water can contribute to multiple health problems even when it is not a specific cause of liver disease.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Nutrition<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diets should be properly balanced from the outset rather than relying on \u201cliver supplements\u201d after problems appear.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Monitoring should include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Energy.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Protein.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Amino acids.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vitamins.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Minerals.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flock body weight.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Heat stress and environment<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heat stress is not a common direct cause of hepatitis, but it can influence:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feed intake.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Energy metabolism.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oxidative stress.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gut health.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Immunity.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In laying hens, hot weather may also contribute to FLHS risk where metabolic predisposing factors are already present.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Biosecurity<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Basic principles include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Control of people.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Control of vehicles.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Farm zoning.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dedicated equipment where appropriate.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cleaning before disinfection.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wild-bird control.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rodent control.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Appropriate carcass disposal.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>10. Practical scenario: 4\u20135-week-old broilers with enlarged, pale, haemorrhagic livers<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consider a broiler flock approximately 4\u20135 weeks of age showing:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reduced feed intake.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depression.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yellow-green droppings.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increasing mortality.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Post-mortem examination identifies:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enlarged liver.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pale liver.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Petechial haemorrhages.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At the same time, the farm identifies a batch of feed ingredients that appears:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Damp.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Poorly stored.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Can mycotoxicosis be diagnosed immediately?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The feed history increases suspicion but does not establish the diagnosis.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Similar lesions may occur in:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">IBH.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Septicaemia.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Certain toxicoses.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other systemic diseases.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>What sequence should be considered?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A reasonable approach may include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Identify and reassess the relevant feed batch.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Isolate the suspect source where necessary.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conduct post-mortem examinations on additional representative birds.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Examine all relevant organs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consider feed testing.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Collect tissues for pathogen testing where the disease pattern suggests it.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Monitor flock response after changing the feed source.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the flock improves after the feed is changed, this provides <\/span><b>supporting evidence<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for the hypothesis.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, improvement alone does not prove mycotoxicosis in the absence of:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Laboratory testing.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Compatible lesions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sufficient epidemiological evidence.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Frequently asked questions about liver disease in poultry<\/b><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_20513\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20513\" style=\"width: 880px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-20513\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/istockphoto-2194219832-612x612-1.jpg\" alt=\"Veterinary professional examining a chicken for poultry liver health assessment\" width=\"890\" height=\"595\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/istockphoto-2194219832-612x612-1.jpg 612w, https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/istockphoto-2194219832-612x612-1-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 890px) 100vw, 890px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-20513\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Frequently asked questions about liver disease in poultry include whether the condition is contagious, what a yellow liver means, whether green droppings are significant, and how FLHS and mycotoxin risks should be managed.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3><b>Is liver disease contagious between birds?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It depends on the cause.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Where the cause is:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Viral.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bacterial.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another infectious agent.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the pathogen may spread through the flock.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Where liver injury is associated with:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mycotoxins.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diet.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chemicals.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Metabolic disorders.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the condition itself is not contagious.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, many birds may still be affected simultaneously because they share the same feed source or environmental exposure.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Does a yellow liver always mean fatty liver?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A yellow liver may be associated with lipid accumulation, but it can also be influenced by:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diet.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pigments.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Age.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Certain diseases.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additional findings should be assessed, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liver friability.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Haemorrhage.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Abdominal fat.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Body condition.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other lesions.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Are green droppings a sign of liver disease?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not necessarily.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Green droppings commonly occur when chickens:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reduce feed intake.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stop eating.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Develop systemic illness.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dropping colour is meaningful only when interpreted alongside:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flock age.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lesions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feed intake.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mortality.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other clinical signs.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Is FLHS an infectious disease?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FLHS is a metabolic disorder, primarily affecting laying hens, and may be influenced by:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Energy balance.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sex.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hormonal factors.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Activity level.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Environmental temperature.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Should \u201cliver supplements\u201d be used routinely?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liver-support products should not be regarded as substitutes for:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A balanced diet.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mycotoxin control.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Appropriate treatment of infectious diseases.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Removal of toxin sources.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Environmental management.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Supplement use should be based on a defined nutritional or management objective.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Can toxin binders prevent all mycotoxins?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Effectiveness depends heavily on:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Toxin type.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Binder composition.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inclusion rate.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diet composition.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Binders do not replace:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ingredient-quality control.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Appropriate storage.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Removal of high-risk feed batches.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>A Multi-Cause Approach to Poultry Liver Health at VIETSTOCK 2026<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liver problems in poultry may result from infectious disease, mycotoxins, nutritional imbalance, or metabolic disorders. For this reason, liver colour or a single external sign is rarely sufficient to determine the cause. Combining flock data, feed quality, post-mortem findings, and appropriate laboratory testing helps farms make more accurate decisions and avoid continuing interventions that do not address the underlying problem.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At <\/span><b>VIETSTOCK 2026 \u2013 Vietnam\u2019s Premier International Feed, Livestock &amp; Meat Industry Show<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, poultry-health challenges are addressed alongside other production factors such as nutrition, feed, veterinary medicine, and housing conditions. The event is expected to bring together <\/span><b>300 brands<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, over <\/span><b>10,000 sqm of exhibition area<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><b>13,000 trade visitors from 40 countries<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>For farms seeking to identify causes and reduce liver-health risks at flock level, participants can explore solutions in areas such as:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Feed, ingredients, and additives:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> solutions that support ingredient-quality control, nutrition, and factors affecting liver health.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Mycotoxin control:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> approaches that support assessment and reduction of mycotoxin risk in animal feed.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Veterinary diagnostics:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> technologies that support pathogen identification, lesion assessment, and selection of appropriate diagnostic tests.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Poultry health and disease prevention:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> developments in vaccination, biosecurity, and infectious-disease control.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Production-monitoring technology:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> tools that support monitoring of feed intake, productivity, mortality, and abnormal flock-level trends.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>One Health Forum on 22 October 2026<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> also includes the session <\/span><b>\u201cMycotoxin management and its One Health implications.\u201d<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This topic is directly relevant to one of the important causes of liver injury in poultry and helps participants view mycotoxin risk not only in terms of flock performance, but also in relation to feed quality, animal health, and production-system sustainability.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Date:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 21\u201323 October 2026<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span> <b>Venue:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), 799 Nguyen Van Linh Street, Tan My Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span> <b>Event website:<\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/en\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/en\/<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\ud83d\udc49<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/en\/event-features\/vietstock-2026-pre-registration-is-now-open-connect-with-the-future-of-livestock-production-and-animal-health-2\/\"> <b>VIETSTOCK 2026 Visitor Registration Information<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\ud83d\udc49<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/en\/event-features\/one-health-forum-at-vietstock-2026-advancing-sustainable-livestock-development\/\"> <b>Learn more about the One Health Forum<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<p><b>Contact information:<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>Exhibiting:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Ms. Sophie Nguyen \u2013 Sophie.nguyen@informa.com<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span> <b>Visitor Support:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Ms. Phuong \u2013 Phuong.C@informa.com<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span> <b>Marcom Support:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Ms. Anita Pham \u2013 Anita.pham@informa.com<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Liver disease in poultry can result from infectious agents, mycotoxins, nutritional imbalance, metabolic disorders, or other causes. Learn how to interpret liver lesions, recognise key signs, use post-mortem findings and laboratory testing, and reduce flock-level risk.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":20677,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[45],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v15.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Liver Disease in Poultry: Causes, Signs &amp; Prevention<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn about liver disease in poultry, including infectious causes, mycotoxins, fatty liver, liver lesions, diagnosis and flock-level prevention.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/en\/tin-nganh\/benh-gan-o-gia-cam\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" 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