Authors : Al-Ankari , Abdul-Rahman , El-Demerdash , Mohsen , Al- Ramadan and Mustafa
Abstract: Swollen head syndrome (SHS) in broiler chickens in Al-Ahsa region-Saudi Arabia had been reported between 1998 and 1999. Clinical, bacteriological and pathological investigations were carried out. Pneumovirus antibodies were detected and pathogenic E. coli strains were isolated from most of infected birds. Approximately, 37, 30 and 9% of the total cases were recorded during March, April and May, respectively. Such incidence was occurred as a result of sharp reduction in relative humidity (RH%) and increase of the temperature (T) in the climate. It could be concluded that incidence of SHS in broiler chickens reared in open system houses was enhanced by substantial changes in RH% and T.
Al-Ankari , Abdul-Rahman , El-Demerdash , Mohsen , Al- Ramadan and Mustafa , 2005. Effect of Temperature and Relative Humidity on Prevalence of Swollen Head Syndrome (SHS) in Broiler Chickens in Al-Ahsa Region-Saudi Arabia . Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 4: 71-78.