swollen head syndrome

swollen head syndrome

a disease of domestic poultry caused by a combination of a pneumovirus and adventitious bacteria, usually Escherichia coli. Often associated with outbreaks of rhinotracheitis in turkeys, thought to be caused by the same virus. Clinically the disease occurs in broiler breeders causing swelling of the periorbital and infraorbital sinuses and submandibular edema. Young birds also show signs of severe respiratory disease.