Liver lesions seen at slaughter as an indicator of necrotic enteritis in broiler flocks

Historical data of necrotic enteritis incidence and carcass condemnations owing to liver lesions in south-eastern Norway during 1978-1998 revealed covariance in the occurrence of the two variables. In histological examination during the first half of 1998, 33 of 45 sampled carcasses condemned owing to liver lesions showed histopathological changes consistent with earlier described Clostridium perfringens-associated hepatitis. The results suggest that the occurrence of necrotic enteritis in broiler flocks may be monitored by using meat inspection data on liver lesions.