Chloropicrin Poisoning in Laying Hens

Abstract

In April 2001, a laying-hen farm housing about 40, 000 birds experienced high mortality rates with animals demonstrating signs of dyspnea and cyanosis. About 3, 000 chickens died during the outbreak, one day prior to the start of which chloropicrin had been sprayed on a neighboring field. Histopathologically, the dead hens had acute catarrhal fibrinous bronchopneumonia. The total hemoglobin of surviving hens was significantly elevated. On the basis of these findings, chloropicrin poisoning was suspected.