Visceral Gout

Visceral gout is the deposition of white urates, which are normally excreted as a white cap on well-formed faeces, in various tissues. Urates are also often deposited in joints and in the kidney. This condition can occur as an individual problem at any age. Outbreaks are seen in young chicks in the first week of life (baby chick nephropathy) or in flocks suffering kidney damage, or reduced water intake. The kidney damage can arise from infection with certain strains of Infectious Bronchitis virus, exposure to some mycotoxins or inadequate water intake (often because the birds have not adapted to a new type of drinker). Baby Chick Nephropathy can be due to inappropriate egg storage conditions, excessive water loss during incubation or during chick holding/transport, or inadequate water intake during the first few days of life. Very low humidity in brooding will also increase the likelihood of this problem. The timing of mortality is a reasonable guide as to the source of the problem