Retinopathy in commercial layers
Randall, C.J.; McLachlan, I.
Veterinary Record 105(2): 41-42
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 555119 Document Number: 145406
An unusual abnormality in the eyes, with eventual blindness, was encountered in flocks of young birds of a certain strain destined for commercial laying. The prevalence was 2-5% in some flocks, but in others of the same strain of fowl no abnormalities were seen. The condition was seen in the first few days of life and appeared to be present at hatching. Affected chicks quickly adapted to their surroundings and could escape detection until older, when unusual head movements tended to develop; some pullets showing clinical signs of blindness even started to lay. Histological examination revealed bilateral lesions in the retinas which were thinner than those of normal chicks of the same strain. The lesions extended from the pigmented epithelium to the internal nuclear layers. The aetiology is being investigated.