Sudden Death Syndrome – An Overview

Sudden death syndrome has developed into a major problem to the broiler industry in many parts of the world. Broilers of all ages are affected starting as early as 2 days of age and continuing through to market age. Peak mortality usually occurs between 3 and 4 weeks of age. (Gardiner et al.,1988) The syndrome has been reported to cause between 1.31 and 2.46per cent mortality with males more commonly affected than females (Riddell and Orr, 1980), however proudfoot and Hulan (1982) reported 0.90 to 3.61 per cent mortality due to SDS in broilers. From 0.71 to 4.07 per cent as reported by Riddel and Springer. (1985) where as Ononiwu et al. (1979) reported 1.0 per cent mortality due to SDS is broilers. Brigden and Riddell (1975) reported that 7080 per cent of male mortality and 20-25 per cent of female broilers chickens mortality could be attributed to acute death syndrome or “Flip-Over Diease”. Thus, SDS is a leading contributor to mortality in broiler chicken production. Although the precipitating event has yet to be ascertained,” Cardiovascular failure” appears to be the immediate cause of death. Etiology