Background: Bangladesh&rsquo;s central and northern regions have seen gizzard erosion and feed passage syndrome in commercial broiler farms, causing significant economic losses due to poor body weight gain, high feed conversion rate, gut health issues and poor performance. This study investigated the causes of gizzard erosion and feed passage syndrome in broiler farms in these areas. 
 
Methods: Commercial broiler farms were selected in three areas (Tangail, Sirajganj and Pabna) for farm visits and data collection because of the higher incidence of gizzard erosion and feed passage syndrome. Feed samples from certain regions were analyzed for mycotoxins and intestinal health in flocks was examined for coccidiosis and bacterial enteritis/dysbacteriosis. Gizzard erosion was observed in 52.78% of birds, with most being flaccid and moderate to severe erosion in the koilin layer. Some birds had mild-to-moderate coccidiosis lesions caused by Eimeria acervulina Eimeria maxima and Eimeria tenella. Tissue impressions on Fast Technology for Analysis (FTA) cards were collected from livers and gizzards with erosion and submitted for identification of fowl adenovirus (FAdV) through the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method and phylogenetic analysis. 
 
Result: All samples tested positive for fowl adenovirus (FAdV)-induced Inclusion Body Hepatitis (IBH) and were processed for serotype identification. Two serotypes were detected, namely FAdVD serotype 11 and FAdVE serotype 8b. All mycotoxin levels were less than the quantification limit. The TMLS and dysbacteriosis scores were mild, but individual Eimeria species scores were high in different areas. Therefore, we can conclude that mild coccidiosis with dysbacteriosis and fowl adenovirus-induced gizzard erosions in commercial broiler birds could be the cause of feed passage syndrome.

Gizzard Erosion in Broilers: The Fowl Adenovirus (FAdV)-Induced Inclusion Body Hepatitis (IBH) Poses a Significant Threat to the Broiler