Farm mortality issues highlight importance of checking water supply

Producers need to be alert to the dangers of drinking-water toxicity issues, according to a senior industry veterinarian. Speaking to Poultry Health Today, Kurt Dobson, DVM, director of veterinary services for George’s, Inc. in Arkansas, said that a recent case of salt toxicity at an eight-house broiler farm underlined the need to not dismiss water on the list of vital components affecting bird health. Issues on the site began to arise when birds were around 3 and a half weeks of age when birds exhibited flushing responses, alongside a mortality spike, he said. Both mycotoxins and sodium toxicity are known to cause such signs.

Necropsy showed kidney lesions, swelling under the skin, fluid both in birds’ abdomens and around their hearts — observations consistent with salt toxicosis, he explained. Feed was tested, showing no abnormalities, so a decision was made to test the water supply. Analysis came back revealing that both the wells on the farm had very high levels of sodium and chloride. Read more