Pancreatic duct obstruction in a stunting syndrome of broiler chickens.

Broilers suffering from stunting syndrome from three farms were shown to have pancreatic atrophy and fibrosis similar to that seen in pancreatic duct obstruction in chickens and mammals. Interlobular and intercalated ducts were found to be stenotic or occluded with inflammation and necrosis of the epithelium and wall. Inclusion bodies were seen in some duct cells. It is suggested that pancreatic duct obstruction is responsible for the maldigestion and pancreatic lesions seen in stunting syndrome.