Treatment of experimental hydropericardium syndrome in broiler chicks using iodophor

Efficacy of oral treatment with iodophor was studied in 21-day old chicks experimentally inoculated with 0.3 ml of 20% suspension of infective liver homogenate derived from natural cases of hydropericardium syndrome. The chicks were randomly divided into four groups including Group I (inoculated group); Group II (iodophor was administered orally at a concentration of 0.5 ml/1 in water 48 hr prior to inoculation); Group III (iodophor at a concentration lml/1 in water was administered orally 48 hr post-inoculation) and Group IV (control group). Except Group IV, chicks of all groups developed the disease, but the onset of clinical signs was delayed and percentage mortality was lower in birds of Group II than those of Groups I and III. On the basis of the severity of clinical signs, mortality, haematological changes, gross and histopathological lesions; it was concluded that iodophor given in drinking water prior to virus inoculation may be effective in reducing the mortality and severity of HPS under experimental conditions.