Vol. 7, Issue 10, Part A (2025)

This study was undertaken to investigate the pathology of ascites syndrome in poultry rearing in Srinagar and Ganderbal Districts of Kashmir. The surveillance across ten farms in these Districts revealed the occurrence of ascitic conditions in poultry. The mortality rates and flock health indicators were carefully monitored and birds showing clinical symptoms of ascites were isolated for further evaluation. A total number of 100 broilers suspected of ascites were selected for detailed examination. Each suspected carcass underwent systematic necropsy to assess the pathological changes in the affected organs. The Postmortem findings included fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity, hypertrophy of the right ventricle and enlargement of the liver and kidneys. The histopathological evaluation in of the affected broiler chickens revealed hepatic congestion and edema, myocardial congestion with degeneration of muscle fibers, pulmonary changes such as l edema, congestion, atelectasis & dilation of tertiary bronchi. The microscopic examination of lymphoid organs revealed lymphoid depletion, atrophy of lymphoid follicles and marked infiltration of mononuclear cells in the lymphoid organs. These lesions collectively characterized the pathology of ascites in broilers.