Post-mortal lesions of Avian Influenza

Chickens

• In cases of sudden death lesions may be absent
• Congested muscles
• Subcutaneous oedema of the head and neck
• Dehydration
• Discharge from the nose and mouth
• Severe congestion of the conjunctiva, petechiae sometimes seen
• Mucous in the trachea or haemorrhagic tracheitis
• Petechiae:
• • inside of the sternum,
  • serosa and abdominal fat,
  • serosal surfaces and
  • the body cavity
• Severe kidney congestion, urate deposits may be seen in the tubules
• Haemorrhages on and degeneration of the ovaries
• Haemorrhages:
• • Proventriculus, especially at junction with gizzard
  • Gizzard lining
  • the lymphoid tissue of the intestinal mucosa

Turkeys

• Lesions similar to chickens may not be as severe.

Ducks

• Ducks infected with HPAI may not show any clinical signs or lesions