Contribution to the etiology of synovitis in chickens, with special reference to non-infective factors.

A study of the literature showed that a large number of micro-organisms have been designated as causative agents of synovitis. These micro-organisms cause almost identical clinical pictures. Particular birds are also found to be markedly prediposed to synovitis (broiler breed cocks), whereas the disease only occurs sporadically in other birds (hens of light-weight laying breeds). In view of these findings, a working hypothesis was formulated to the effect that the tendon tissues of birds in which synovitis is a common feature, will show qualitative and/or quanitative deficiencies; this could result in increased susceptibility to infections.