Become a Special Olympics Arizona Athlete

Step 1: Submit an Athlete Interest Form OR Find a Local Program and contact your Area Director.
Step 2: Complete the Athlete Medical & Release forms.

Who is eligible?
To be eligible to participate in Special Olympics, athletes must:

Be at least 8 years old (Children ages 2 1/2 to 7 are eligible to participate in the Young Athletes Program).
Have a current Medical and Consent Form on file.
Identified by an agency or professional as having one of the following conditions: intellectual disability; a cognitive delay as determined by standardized measures such as intelligence quotient or other generally accepted measures; or a closely related development disability, i.e., functional limitations in both general learning and adaptive skills.

What is the definition of intellectual disability?
According to the World Health Organization:

Intellectual disability is a condition of arrested or incomplete development of the mind characterized by impairment of skills and overall intelligence in areas such as cognition, language, and motor and social abilities.
Intellectual disability can occur with or without any other physical or mental disorders.
Although reduced level of intellectual functioning is the characteristic feature of this disorder, the diagnosis is made only if it is associated with a diminished ability to adapt to the daily demands of the normal social environment.

How prevalent are intellectual disabilities?
Intellectual disability knows no boundaries. It cuts across the lines of racial, ethnic, educational, social and economic backgrounds, and it can occur in any family. The following statistics and information on intellectual disabilities have been adapted from information from the Population Reference Bureau, The Arc (formerly the Association for Retarded Citizens), the World Health Organization and various associations for people with disabilities.

According to the World Health Organization, approximately 190 million people or three percent of the world’s population, have intellectual disabilities – the largest disability population in the world.

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“Already Taken” is the latest Trey Songz track to hit the charts. The song is taken from the album Step Up 3D which accompanies the movie (directed by Jon Chu) which is scheduled for release August 6, 2010.

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Being well known for releasing awesome songs, Trey Songz have done it again with the release of Already Taken. Although this is a fairly new release by Trey Songz, “Already Taken” is currently one of the top downloads at online music stores such as Amazon and iTunes. There is already a buzz on video tube sites such as YouTube and Already Taken is certain to rocket high into the charts around the globe. Make sure you don’t miss out on this latest offering from Trey Songz. This song’s reach is not just limited to mp3 downloads, the Already Taken ringtone is one of the hottest ringtone downloads around at the moment. If you’re into Trey Songz in a big way, you should definitely have some Trey Songz ringtones on your phone.

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True fans of Trey Songz should be downloading their music legally. Tracks cost as little as .99 from a site such as iTunes and even less from a subscription site. For information about subscription music sites and to get free trials, have a look at www.legalmusicguide.com. You can also get the Already Taken Ringtone sent directly to your phone. If you are looking for the latest and greatest ringtone, click here to Download Already Taken Ringtone straight to your phone now.

Disclaimer: I do not own anything in this video. No copyright infringement intended. Everything belongs to their respective owners. Also see my blog daneimp.blogspot.com This is my new fanmade trailer for the awesome 2008 movie called Taken. It deals with the problems of Human trafficking. Liam Neesons charachter is outstanding! Music: Epic Score – The Haunted Epic Score – Fury Two Steps from Hell – Diabolic Clockwork
Video Rating: 4 / 5

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Garage Doors-an Overview of Styles, Types, Options, and How to Choose a New Garage Door

There are an abundance of options as far as building materials and designs available in new garage doors, wood and steel being the most commonly installed. Each type of garage door will have options available for the exterior style/color, decorative windows, hardware, insulation, etc. Every garage door manufacturer will tell you theirs is best, and give you tons of reasons why you should agree. Just like any other product or service. That being said, you should keep in mind that the new garage door you are thinking of purchasing is going to be around for a long time. Garage doors usually last anywhere from 10-20 years, depending on usage and maintenance, and can possibly last longer.

Steel garage doors are the most commonly installed types. Their lower costs, maintenance, and a variety of available designs make them the obvious choice for most homeowners. No painting is required, although the doors can be painted, and most manufacturers offer different finish warranties on their garage doors. Styles include, but are not limited to, raised panel designs, flush panels, and various carriage house designs. Most have insulation options, as well. Considering the fact that most garages share an interior wall with the home, insulation inside your garage door can help conserve on heating and cooling costs.

While their not as common as they once were, wooden garage doors are still readily available in most places. They are available in the same standard styles as steel doors, and can be built to suit. Their costs are generally slightly higher than steel doors, and they will need to be painted or stained to prevent water damage. There are still benefits to having a wooden garage door. A standard model wood door can provide a better R-value than a basic non-insulated steel door. Wooden garage doors can also take a little bit more punishment than the steel types-something to consider if you have kids that play near the doors, or work in or around the garage yourself. Wood doors also have insulation options available. The versatility of wooden garage doors is probably their best point. Homeowners wanting custom garage doors for their home typically go with wooden garage doors.

Vinyl garage doors are beginning to make a larger impression on the market. These doors won’t rust, and are more resistant to dings and scratches than the steel doors. Prepare to pay substantially more for these types of garage doors. Many dealers don’t carry any in stock, so a lead time of 2-4 weeks can be expected. They usually look like a steel door as far as exterior styles are concerned. Vinyl garage doors also have similar insulation options as steel garage doors.

Composite garage doors are becoming more mainstream as consumer demand for environmentally-friendly products grows. These garage doors are typically made from recycled wood. They are insulated in most cases. Again, opting for insulation on a garage door can provide a higher R-value. Composite doors can be painted, or even stained.

Our website has links to many of the large garage door manufacturer sites. Some of these sites will have a “door designer” available where you can view different color and style options for their doors. You can usually find other information on warranties or other garage door specs. When you have your new garage door installed be sure to remember to keep the invoice/receipt in a safe place, and make sure you complete any required registrations in order to have a valid warranty.

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Cars For Sale – Car Auctions Online – Used Car Auctions

Car Auction:
If you are looking for car auctions online please visit the best car dealers blog where you will get a chance to join one of the sites with the largest collection of used cars for sale and also you will get links to other used car auctions/vintage auctions withing the U.S, UK and other countries offering great discounted prices of upto 95% off on used cars for sale, deals not possible anywhere else. You will get access to thousands of repossessed homes, cars trucks and SUV’s including salvage cars that have been seized by the government, police, IRS, customs, DEA, banks, lending institutions etc, Cars with low miles and clean records. This is a closely guarded resource commonly used by car dealerships and realtor’s in their businesses of buying and selling cars and luxury homes due to great discounted prices and good deals offered at the auction.

Government car auctions:
Everyday a great number of citizens default on various kinds of payments be it car loans, insurance and many other kinds of debt that they either refuse or are unable to pay or involved in criminal activities and tax evasion, this in turn causes the government and law enforcement agencies to seize their cars and other properties indefinitely, this seized property is later on auctioned by the government and banks quickly in order to cover loses and to minimize cost of storage and maintenance. The general public does not know about this kind of government car auctions which makes it a perfect source for you to to buy the car or home of your dreams, once you become a member you will have no reason to buy from a dealership or realtor ever again.

Used car auctions/ Vintage auctions
Used car auctions are becoming more and more popular with time, this is the perfect resource for all individuals be it car dealer realtors even students simply due to affordability once you are a member of the used car auction you will receive great services to help you save time and money with detailed data base and more information about state and government auctions websites and their phone numbers including salvage car auction address. This is the most detailed database on state and government auctions with full time online support and live services to ensure that you get exactly what you are looking for and to make your shopping experience a pleasurable one. The site has implemented awesome new systems for its members to utilize and you can become the lucky buyer who drives away with the car or home of his dreams. This auction is sometimes attended by few people hence facilitating great discounts and excellent deals.

Car auctions online:
Unlike in the past where only car dealers and realtos had special licenses to attend this auctions today this have changed dramatically because of the Internet, It is now possible for anyone to easily join the auction online which in turn enables you to save a lot of time and money. It is therefore important for you to attend and buy from this auction centers and online auctions inorder to cut the enormous expense of storage and maintenance of these thousands of cars and homes.

When you buy seized cars don’t think that these cars are always in bad shape, you will be surprised to find some of the cars in brand new condition with their warranty still on them and you can get a background check on the vehicle you wish to buy and the cars for sale auction usually give information of all the vehicles on sale. No need to wait, save time and money now. Visit best car dealers blog now and Join cars for sale 2009.

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Dog Illnesses

All pet dogs should be treated as members of our family and adequate attention must be paid to the canine’s health. Sometimes dogs become sick but may not look so. It is very important to recognize and understand dog illnesses symptoms.

Since prevention is a better cure, we must learn something about dog illnesses and symptoms so we can better understand their conditions. This will help us recognize some common dog illnesses. If appropriate and adequate vaccinations are administered to the puppies, most of the common dog illnesses can be easily prevented.

Some elementary observations are useful to recognize certain common dog illnesses. Dogs take a lot of sleep but their sleep is marked by alertness. If a dog is sluggish then there may be various causes contributing to it, right from anemia to old age. If the dog is limping then you should check for prospective painful areas using a firm and yet gentile hand. Check out for any signs indicating lameness from time to time.

The appetite of the dog is bound to be affected by ill health. Look for any signs of loss of appetite. An important sign of dog health problems is excessive thirst. A pronounced weight loss is also an indicator of ill health. Check the eyes for any ulcers, discharges, veins or sores.

The mouth of a healthy dog is pink. There should not be any discoloring or cavities in the teeth. Look for signs of discharge from ears. It is advisable to clean the ears from time to time. The dog’s head should be regularly checked for sore patches, hair loss, or deep wounds.

Investigate the limbs and trunk for the same signs. If the dog is vomiting, there may be various underlying problems. If the body temperature of your dog is not between the range 38 to 39 Celsius it is an indication of some kind of illness. Check the female dogs for any kind of foul smelling vaginal discharge, which needs attention of a vet.

The symptoms of pain and discomfort experienced by a dog can give us many clues about the possible underlying illness. If the dog is suffering any abdominal pain, it may be due to canine hepatitis, enteritis or it can be a simple case of constipation. The abdominal swelling dogs indicate canine bloat and roundworms in puppies. Aggression of the dog may be caused by rabies. Roundworms, tapeworms, and whipworms my cause anemia in dogs. Any behavioral changes in dog can be an indicator of hookworms, tapeworms, whipworms, canine arthritis, heart disease, canine, or parvovirus.

Kidney diseases sometimes cause blood in urine. Eye infections and entropion cause bloodshot eyes in dogs. A ruptured diaphragm, obstructed airway, lungworm, bronchitis, pneumonia, food poisoning, heatstroke, allergies can cause respiratory problems in dogs.

There are various reasons of sudden change in weight of dogs like heart disease to heartworms. Hernia might be caused due to long term constipation in dogs. Allergies, parvovirus, hepatitis, lungworm, TB, pneumonia or distemper may be one of the reasons of coughing in dogs. Cannine parvovirus can also cause dehydration in dogs. Any pancreatic disorder, food poisoning can give rise to diarrhea in dogs. The dog may suffer from hair loss due to mange, red mange demodectic, scabies, cheyletiella mange, or cushings syndrome.

If dog indicates any signs of failing genital bleeding, persistent constipation, projectile vomiting, fainting, hair loss, seizure, stumbling, trauma, trembling, mouth bleeding, rectal bleeding, lethargy, shaking, urinating problems contact a dog care specialist.

Plus Size Teen Fashions – Finally a Choice in Style and Fit

For years, plus size teens and young adults had little in the way of choice for fashionable, youthful clothing. They were forced to shop at “fat” stores, and find the least conservative styles at the “plus size ladies or guys” store. Manufacturers and retail stores would call all their plus size clothing, “teen friendly” when in reality the large flower print smock type blouses didn’t even really appeal to old ladies! It took years for the s/m/l designer mindset to realize that the majority of women and men, let alone teens aren’t s/m/l.

Plus size pre-teens had it even worse. At that awkward growing stage, pre-teens had to buy jeans that were way too baggy, long and shapeless and even with alteration, they would grow out of them quickly. Swimming suits for pre-teens went to size 14 or 16 if they were lucky, and they were never sized properly or attractive. JC Penneys and Sears were about the only common brick and mortar stores with some choice for plus size pre-teen and plus size teen fashion. And of course, back then in the 80s and early 90s there wasn’t an internet and catalog companies didn’t cater to plus size teens either! Going back further, the fashion world all but ignored plus size people in general. There might be one large size store in town and the mumu house dress and the boxy navy suit were all they carried. Plus size teenage girls in the 50s and 60s had to resort to wearing men’s jeans and slacks and shirts in order not to look like a 60 year old grandmother. The 70s brought an appreciation and realization that one size did not fit all, and jean companies began to stretch their line to size 18 and 20 with some fashionable choices. Richard Simmons came on the fashion scene in the early 80s and brought a recognition that plus size women and men were people too and might want some style in the wardrobe. But it still took another 20 years for fashion to embrace a teenage, youthful plus size look.

Thank goodness times have changed! Finally the fashion world has recognized there is a market for young, hip, plus size clothing and the internet is the delivery vehicle. The internet has forced choice on the fashion manufacturers and they are slowly realizing the demand is there and profitable. Forward thinking companies like Alight, Always for Me, Torrid, b&lu, Lane Bryant and The Avenue are delivering plus size teen fashions, in many choices and styles. Plus size teens still can’t find many options at the mall but that will no doubt change as the popularity of the online plus size teen stores becomes evident. Television shows like Oprah, Tyra and The View are featuring plus size fashion shows as the norm and not the exception. The waif model is morphing into a more realistic body type and fashion designers are building their styles on “normal” women, rather than designing a size 0 and making it larger for their plus size customers.

This notion that plus size teens would rather hide because of their weight problem and then not need fashion is being replaced with the realization that with body acceptance comes a greater ability to deal with weight issues. Again, stars like Oprah, Tyra and plus size model Emme have consistently asked for change in the way society treats plus size teens and adults. Slowly our image of a beautiful woman or attractive man isn’t limited to skin and bones, but includes all shapes and sizes. This new, healthy way of looking at size and style will ultimately help plus size teens feel better about themselves both mentally and physically. Hopefully the fashion world will embrace these new body types and retail possibilities and continue to expand their lines with plus size clothing actually made just for plus size teens.

There are several videos circulating showing a comparison of the largest stars. I like these kind of things, and I wanted to try one myself. Probably because I also watched “Cosmos” by Carl Sagan as a kid. Actually my first Youtube upload. Hope you like it…
Video Rating: 4 / 5

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1 Day Yeast Infection Treatment Didn’t Work

1 Day Yeast Infection Treatment Didn’t Work

Yeast Infection is a very common infection amongst women of all ages. In fact they are so common that almost three out of every four women will end up having vaginal yeast infections at least once during their lives and many will suffer with frequent yeast infections. The 1 Day Yeast infection treatment is a very common treatment and works effectively when used for the first time. But it fails to work effectively during the second infection and repeated infections.This article will provide advice on suitable treatment that will permanently get rid of yeast infections and Candida.

What About the 7 Day Yeast Infection Treatment – Should I try that?

Your doctor would most likely advise you to go on the 7 day treatment if the 1 day yeast infection treatment didn’t work at getting rid of the infection. The 7 day treatment involves using it at night for a whole week and often is a messy process due to leakages the next morning. However many women have also reported that the 7 day treatment can be agonizingly painful causing sharp pains in the vagina. And that is because most women are allergic to the ingredients contained within the treatment. If you are experiencing excruciating pain with the 1 day, 3 day or 7 day treatment then stop and talk to your doctor.

Click Here To permanently Get Rid Of Yeast Infection Within 12 Hours.
Are absolutely sure it is a yeast infection?

Often choosing the wrong medication can only aggravate the infection more. So how do you recognise a vaginal yeast infection? The usual symptoms are:

A white and thick cottage cheese like discharge which has slight smell of yeast, severe itching and burning, soreness of the vulva and vagina, pain during sex and burning sensation when urinating.

If you are not experiencing these symptoms then I would urge you to get it properly diagnosed by your doctor.

Is there any other yeast infection treatment I could use to put an end to this horrible problem once and for all?

If you’ve tried prescription drugs and creams such as Monistat and Diflucan and the 1 day yeast infection treatment didn’t work out, there are many women who can attest to getting rid of the infection using natural remedies. They often are more powerful than prescription drugs and have no side effects – some of the most effective remedies include raw honey, lactobacillus acidophilus, white vinegar, tea tree oil and garlic.

You also need to be aware of how the infection materialised so you can fight off the infection naturally. Yeast naturally resides in the vagina but there are certain things that cause yeast to overgrow. These can be: regular use of antibiotics, changes in the vaginal PH during menstruation or pregnancy, poor diet (sugary refined foods, excess caffeine, excess alcohol etc), weak immune system and even stress can cause yeast to overgrow. If antibiotics bring on a yeast infection then you can understand why treatments like the 1 Day Treatment don’t work out each and every time. You may be feeding yeast.

The best way to prevent vaginal infections from recurring is to maintain a healthy immune system with proper nutrition (reduce sugary refined foods, avoiding fatty foods, limiting alcohol), take a lactobacillus supplement (natural yogurt is great source of this), regular exercising, limit use of antibiotics and take garlic capsules (a natural yeast killer) every day.

Related Didn’t Articles

Selling a House Quickly Involves the Use of Open Market Values

A good thing to see about selling a house quickly deals with how much money you can get off of your sale. You may be able to end up getting more in a quick sale than with a standard sale. The value that is going to be determined for your home will be something that you should be looking into though. This value is going to be figured out through the use of the open market value of your property.

The open market value relates to what your home would be worth in a standard type of transaction. It will help for you to see just how this can work in your deal.

You will be able to get a value set up during your consultation. This is a value that will relate to what you will be getting when you sell your home. It will be exactly what you are going to be getting if you agree to get into a quick house sale.

A deduction will have to be made at this point in the sale. This deduction is going to be one that comes off of the value of your home. This is a reduction that will be used to get the company to be able to continue to stay in business. It will have to sell your home at full price to someone to get a profit. It will still be used to make sure that you avoid any of the fees that would come with this type of sale.

The open market value will be figured out at this point in the sale. The open market value refers to how much money you will be getting when you get into a traditional type of sale. It will be used for your quick sale purposes as well.

This open market value for selling a house quickly relates to how much money your property would be worth if it were on sale on the general property market. This is a value that may end up being higher or lower than what the current value of your home is. Either way it will be something that is going to look about three to six months ahead of time for your value. This is a good time to use for figuring out what you can get on your home in the future. It may be of a good benefit to you.

The amount of money that your open market value will be reduced by will be slight. You will end up getting seventy to seventy five percent of the open market value on your property.

It does help to see in this case that the money that you would be getting off of selling a house quickly can still be greater than what you’d get in a traditional home sale. Even though you will be dealing with the same base open market value in either transaction you could still earn more in a quick sale. This comes from the lack of having to deal with legal fees, listing fees and other annoying charges that a typical estate agent would put you through.

Selling a house quick can work with the open market value of your property. This will be used to get you to get the same amount of money on your property as what you could be getting if you used a traditional type of property sale. You may be able to get a greater deal of money in a quick sale than with some other sale that involves taxes and other charges onto the value of your home.

A Review on Clinical Laboratory Outbreak of Sudden Death Syndrome in Broiler Chicken in Kathmandu Valley Nepal

A Review on Clinical Laboratory Outbreak of Sudden Death Syndrome in Broiler Chicken in Kathmandu Valley Nepal

Kedar Karki ; Pragya Koirala

Central Veterinary Laboratory in Kathmandu Tripureshwor Nepal

ABSTRACT:

Sudden death of broiler birds of above 40 days was suddenly increased in the month of August 2008 in Kathmandu valley. Birds which were presented for post-mortem examination in Central Veterinary Laboratory Tripureswor Kathmandu were usually found dead on their backs with wings out-stretched. Incidence of this condition recorded was between 1.5 to 2.5% of the flock. The mean mortality due to sudden death syndrome was 1.3 – 9.6% and mortality was peak after 6 week of age. Post-mortem necropsies of birds affected by Sudden Death Syndrome were well-fleshed with edema and general pulmonary congestion. Feed was present along the entire digestive tract and the gall bladder was empty. The liver and kidneys were slightly congested and have patchy subcapsular hemorrhage. The heart was containing clotted blood in the atria and the ventricles are most often empty. Microbial and Mycobial culture of tissue samples of liver, lung, spleen, Proventriculus revealed in majority of samples the growth of Penicillium and Aspergillus spp of fungus and E.coli and Staphylococcus spp of bacteria. On feed restriction, supplementation of glucose containing electrolyte, liquid toxin binder, Immunomodulaters, acidifier and antibiotic reduced the mortality. The condition seems to be related to fast growth rate . In extreme situations, feed restriction need to be practiced which will virtually eliminate sudden death syndrome. A practical approach seems to use diets with 5-7% reduction in nutrient density. Giving more space and supportive treatment with anti-stress medicine may be beneficial.

Key word:

Sudden death syndrome , broiler birds, Microbial and Mycobial culture, Penicillium and Aspergillus spp of fungus, feed restriction, glucose containing electrolyte, liquid toxin binder, Immunomodulaters, acidifier,

Background of outbreak of Sudden Death Syndrome in Kathmandu Valley.

During the first week of August 2008 there sudden increase in mortality of broilers of above 6 week age. Just before death birds appear normal and it is common to observe that these birds will be feeding, drinking or walking normally. Birds exhibit clinical signs such as extending their neck, squawk and start wing beating as well as leg extension before fall back on their back and birds used to die suddenly. Post-mortem necropsies of birds affected by Sudden Death Syndrome were well-fleshed with edema and general pulmonary congestion. Feed was present along the entire digestive tract and the gall bladder was empty. The liver and kidneys were slightly congested and have patchy subcapsular hemorrhage. The heart was containing clotted blood in the atria and the ventricles are most often empty.

Material and Methods:

1: Clinical Epidemiological observation of affected flocks.

2: Post-mortem examination and Microbial and Mycobial evaluation of tissue samples.

3: Evaluation of possible treatment and preventive measure

 Epidemiology of Affected flock with sudden Death Syndrome in Month of August 2008:

Table: 1

Duration

no.of farm

Population at risk

Morbidity

Mortality

no.of samoles

First week

22

16620

4250

369

44

Second week

14

15450

1235

232

28

Third  week

20

10260

848

157

40

Fourth week

30

15700

2380

149

60

Total

86

58030

8713

907

172

 Postmortem finding of SDS birds:

Postmortem finding of birds which died of sudden death syndrome revealed all birds were well-fleshed with edema and general pulmonary congestion. Feed was present along the entire digestive tract and the gall bladder was empty. The liver and kidneys were slightly congested and have patchy subcapsular hemorrhage. The heart with containing clotted blood in the atria and the ventricles were most often empty. The edematous lung was observed. There was milky fluid in proventricular gland and intact food particles were present in gizzard, spleenomegally to spleeno atrophy was observed in almost all birds which were examined.

Laboratory Finding of Mycobiota and Micro biota of Postmortem Tissue samples:A total 86 tissue samples of lung,liver,speen,peoventriculus gizzard,were collected during postmortem examination and were subjected for both bacterial and mycological culture in respective media for culture and identification laboratory findings of which is presented below.

Table: 2

Samples numbers

Bacterial spp isolated

Fungal spp.isolated

Positive no

negative no

86

E.coli,Streptococcus,Staphylococcus spp.

59

27

86

Aspergillus,Penicillium,Candida spp

58

28

172

117

55

Treatment and Preventive measure advised to rest of birds in flock:

All birds remaining in flocks were advised two restrict the feed up to 8-10% and feed to twice daily only. Along with this it was advised to supplement glucose containing electrolyte liquid toxin binders like toxolivum ,toxol, kokonil, immunomodulater like immunocare,and and simple broad-spectrum antibiotics were advised to provide in water while supplementation of multivitamin B complex was totally withdrawn .

Review of literatures:

Sudden Death Syndrome is an acute heart failure disease that affects mainly male fast growing chickens that seem to be in good condition. The birds suddenly start to flap their wings, lose their balance, sometimes cry out, and then fall on their backs or sides and die; usually all within a minute (Satya 1).Sudden Death Syndrome kills 0.1% to 3% of broilers in European Countries.  UK survey of broiler ascites and sudden death syndrome in 1993(The Welfare of Broiler Chicken 2). H.A. Upandra reported that  Broilers that die of sudden death syndrome show no specific abnormalities. Birds usually male, appear healthy and are often above average flock body weight. Just before death birds appear normal and it is common to observe that these birds will be feeding, drinking or walking normally. Birds exhibit clinical signs such as extending their neck, squawk and start wing beating as well as leg extension before fall back on their back. Hence some farmers call this condition as cases of heart attack. Death occurs within minutes. Post mortem examination fails to exhibit any specific lesion. Hence it is also considered as a Behavioral Disease. However many workers who recorded behavioral pattern of birds concluded that there is no single behavior pattern can be attributed to this condition.

Pathology of sudden death syndrome is studied many workers and they found that birds affected by sudden death syndrome are always well-fleshed with edema and general pulmonary congestion. Feed is present along the entire digestive tract and the gall bladder is usually empty. The liver and kidneys may be slightly congested and have patchy subcapsular hemorrhage. The heart may contain clotted blood in the atria and the ventricles are most often empty. The edematous lung observed in cases of SDS was thought to be the contributing factor of death but in all probabilities it is a normal observation in birds that on their back for some time.

A number of studies have been aimed at correlating changes in tissue mineral, electrolyte and fat content as it relates to Sudden Death Syndrome. Sudden Death Syndrome affected birds showed elevated levels of liver calcium and reduced iron in lungs and kidneys. A small but statistically significant reduction in the potassium content and an increase in sodium content of heart tissue are also reported in Sudden Death Syndrome birds. However it is not known if these changes are causative or the consequence of Sudden Death Syndrome.

Because female broilers have a much lower incidence of Sudden Death Syndrome and Leghorns of either sex rarely show the condition, a comparative study was made in male broiler birds using either female broilers or Leghorn birds as control in studying the blood parameters. Male birds consistently exhibited elevated levels of blood glucose, Blood uric acid and lactate dehydrogenase as compared to females birds. As far as blood electrolyte study is considered, Sudden Death Syndrome birds had higher levels of blood potassium. These data again pose the question of how to interpret biochemical profiles of Sudden Death Syndrome birds, because in most instances, birds have been dead for some time prior to blood sampling.

Other factors such as diet texture and restriction programs have been studied with a view to isolating causative agents in Sudden Death Syndrome . It is reported that feed restriction can reduce mortality due to Sudden Death Syndrome in broiler chicks but feed restriction can reduce the body weight of these birds. It is concluded that Sudden Death Syndrome can be prevented by growing birds at a slower rate.

Diet protein per se seems to have little effect on Sudden Death Syndrome . Relatively little research aimed at investigating the role of dietary aminoacids on incidence of SDS is taken up. Taurine is considered to be a non-essential amino-acids for poultry. While avian species are assumed to synthesize sufficient taurine, reduced cardiac taurine levels have been associated with heart tissue degeneration in turkeys. Furazolidone is known to cause heart muscle degeneration in turkeys and this is accompanied by reduction in tissue taurine levels. Feeding up to 0.2% taurine to broilers resulted in a small reduction in incidence of Sudden Death Syndrome.

Use of various sources of energy in the diet has also been suspected in affecting the occurrence of Sudden Death Syndrome. The replacement of carbohydrate by fat is suspected to be a factor. The occurrence of Sudden Death Syndrome seems to be increased by feeding hydrogenated fat such as coconut oil as compared to birds fed comparable levels of unsaturated sunflower oil.

Biotin has been singled out most frequently among vitamins as a possible factor in Sudden Death Syndrome. It is suggested that biotin may be an important factor in increasing the occurrence of Sudden Death Syndrome if it is complicated by the incidence of fatty liver and kidney syndrome. The Sudden Death Syndrome seems to be worse when biotin is marginal and other Vitamin B are in excess.

Among many drugs used in poultry the role of anticoccidial drugs perhaps have received more attention than other drugs. There is some evidence of higher Sudden Death Syndrome mortality when anticoccidial drugs are used. Historically the occurrence of Sudden Death Syndrome does coincide with the introduction of the ionophore anticoccidials. However the involvement of ionophores in Sudden Death Syndrome is far from clear and typical pathological lesion of ionophore toxicity have not been reported in Sudden Death Syndrome diagnosed birds.

It is obvious that there is no one treatment or preventive system for the control of SDS in broilers. The condition is undoubtedly related to fast growth rate and as such management techniques to reduce the early maximum genetic potential for growth after the best preventive measure. One of the most successful techniques used to hamper early growth rate is a step-down lighting programme. Broilers are subjected to reduced day light between 5-18 day of growth. This effectively reduces feed intake and so hampers early growth rate. In extreme situations, feed restriction can also be practiced and this will virtually eliminate Sudden Death Syndrome. A practical approach is to use diets with 5-7% reduction in nutrient density. Giving more space and supportive treatment with anti-stress medicine may be beneficial (H.A. Upandra). Sudden death syndrome in fast growing broiler chickens has been recognized as a patho-physiological entity for four decades, but its pathogenesis still remains unknown. More recent investigations provided evidence that link SDS to cardiac arrhythmia, but the mechanism triggering arrhythmogenesis and factors responsible for fatal outcome are poorly understood. In order to understand the chain of events leading to Sudden Death Syndrome in broilers, the present study focused on putative mechanisms that trigger arrhythmia and mechanisms that predispose the myocardium to fatal arrhythmia. Susceptibility of broilers to cardiac arrhythmia under stress conditions was evaluated using a simulated stress test with epinephrine. Detailed histopathological evaluation of the broiler heart was undertaken to identify structural features that may predispose the myocardium to fatal arrhythmia. The simulated stress challenge revealed that many broilers are highly susceptible to stress induced cardiac arrhythmia. In some broilers the stress challenge induced severe ventricular arrhythmia, and the life threatening nature of this arrhythmia was evidenced by the fact that several birds showing the most severe arrhythmic responses, died suddenly within several days after the stress challenge. Examination of hearts of broilers that died of Sudden Death Syndrome revealed microscopic lesions in the cardiomyocytes, and widespread changes in the sub-endocardial and mural His-Purkinje system (HPS). Immune staining for Caspase-3 confirmed that numerous Purkinje cells in the left ventricular myocardium from broiler chickens that died of SDS were undergoing apoptosis. The observed lesions suggest that the electrical stability of the myocardium was compromised. Taken together, our findings indicate that stress is a most likely trigger of cardiac arrhythmia in broilers, whereas the pathological changes seen in the myocardium and in the HPS in fast growing broilers provide a very conducive milieu for sustained ventricular arrhythmia. In cases where the electrical stability of the myocardium is compromised, even an episodic arrhythmic event may readily degenerate to catastrophic ventricular fibrillation and sudden death. We conclude that the combination of stress and changes in the cardiomyocytes and HPS are the key requisite features in the pathogenesis of SDS (4 A A Olkowski, C Wojnarowicz, S Nain, B Ling, J M Alcorn, B Laarveld). A condition of broiler chickens of unknown cause, possibly metabolic. It can be induced by lactic acidosis and about 70% of birds affected are males(5 www.thepoultrysite.com/diseaseinfo/146/sudden-death-syndrome-flipover ). Sudden death syndrome usually occurs in heavy, fast-growing and healthy-looking broilers. Most of the affected birds are males. The characteristic necropsy changes are seen in well-fleshed broilers with edema and generalized pulmonary congestion, recently ingested feed in the crop and gizzard, distended intestine with creamy content and empty gall bladder. The liver and kidneys are slightly enlarged and the latter have patchy areas of subcapsular hemorrhage. The heart contains clotted blood in the atria but the ventricles are often empty and the left ventricle in particular assumes a hypertrophied appearance (6 J.C. Ononiwu, R.G. Thomson, H.C. Carlson, and R.J. Julian). A syndrome specifically associated with broiler breeders. Clinical signs – Mortality ranging from 0.5 to 8% per week with most of the birds dying at feeding time. No evidence of respiratory infection. Commences as flock reaches about 5% production and being worst about 20-30% production. It is believed that this is most likely to be due to a mineral imbalance associated with low potassium as the flock comes into lay. Treatment including 3.5Kg/tonne of potassium carbonate has reduced the incidence (7 members.tripod.com/poultryworld/dis_dir.htm).

Result and Discussion:

All the birds remaining in all affected flocks responded to the above treatment management and there was marked improvement in controlling of the syndrome.As todays broiler birds are genetically so engineered that  they are suppose to achieve maximum body weight gain during the schedule period of 45days there is trend of using feed additives which  also exerts some health problem in broiler as well they causes the problem like tibial dyschondroplacia in heavey weight broiler  has been reported by many workers in Europe and elesewhere.As today universally a total of 30-35 grains are being contaminated with one or other toxigenic fungus whose deleterious effect on livestock and poultry health has been well documented were it causes sudden death also coincides with finding of this observation. Further more especially during hot humid season whish increases stress to birds as well as there is a conducive environment for the growth of mold and fungus also provides higher risk to the birds for the deleterious effect of mycotoxin  in broiler health.Still today so far in the management of mycotoxin and mycosis only there is practice of using toxinbinders only during feed formulation process in feed mills.Which alone is not suffient to minimize effect to fungal contamination during storage if poultry especially broilers of finisher age have to protected some management pattern need to be changed. 

Conclusion and recommendation:

All clinical laboratory and epidemiological patterns observed in this investigation indicates that broilers in good body weight condition when not harvested timely and remain in poultry shade for prolong time due to the congestion of space enhances a stress factor. Along with this with increase in humidity and hot season favors the growth of mold and fungus in stored feeds there was increasing the risk of birds to mycosis. Under such circumstances birds are in danger to be affected by mycotoxicosis under such situation if a proper preventive measure to prevent the deleterious effect of mycotoxin is not under taken any time an unexpected syndrome may appear in poultry establishment. As this was a sudden mortality in broiler has been reported for first time finding of this invested need to be looked into.

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Reference:

1: Satya Feb 06: The Real Cost of Cheap Chicken by Joyce D’Silva www.satyamag.com/feb06/dsilva.html – Retrieved on 8 August 2008

2:The Welfare of Broiler Chicken ciwf.org.uk/publications/…/the_welfare_of_broiler_chickens_2000.pdf – Retrieved on 8 August 2008

3: SUDDEN DEATH SYNDROME:Dr. H.A. Upandra, Associate Professor, Dept. of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary College, UAS, Bangalore: www.vetcareindia.com/halchal_sudden%20syndrome.htm – 15k – Retrieved on 8 August 2008

4: Res Vet Sci. 2007 Sep 26; : 17904171 (P,S,E,B,D) A study on pathogenesis of sudden death syndrome in broiler chickens.  A A Olkowski, C Wojnarowicz, S Nain, B Ling, J M Alcorn, B Laarveld : lib.bioinfo.pl/pmid:17904171 – 62k. Retrieved on 8 August 2008

5: Sudden Death Syndrome, ‘Flipover’ ThePoultrySite Quick Disease Guide www.thepoultrysite.com/diseaseinfo/146/sudden-death-syndrome-flipover- Retrieved on 8 August 2008  

6 : Pathological Studies of “Sudden Death Syndrome” in Broiler Chickens

J.C. Ononiwu, R.G. Thomson, H.C. Carlson, and R.J. Julian

:www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1789498- Retrieved on 8 August 2008

7: THE A-Z POULTRY DISEASE INDEX: members.tripod.com/poultryworld/dis_dir.htm- Retrieved on 8 August 2008

Acknowledgement:

We would like to extend our sincier thanks to Dr.Dev Raj Adhikari SVO and incharge of Central Veterinary Hospital Tripureshwor, Kathmandu for providining early indication of problem. Our gratitude goes to the all broiler farmers of Kathmandu Valley for cooperating with this investigation team through out the observation period. Mr.Bal Bahadur Kunwar Srnior Vet.Technician and Mr.Bhimsen Adhikari Vet.Technician of Microbioly Unit of Central Veterinary Laboratory for their tedious work in lab for cultureing and processing of all samples deserves a special thanks. We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr Esmeraldo M. Cabana, DVSM, MVSt (VPath) Veterinary Pathologist  Animal Health Laboratories

Diagnostic Services Branch Department of Primary Industries and Water, Australian Government service Tasmania.and  Dr.Lin, Tsang Long,Avian Pathologist and Dr.Hooser, Stephen B Head, Toxicology Sect. & Asst. Director,Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory Purdue University U.S.A for their continuous guidance through Email for this investigation and its documentation.Last but not least Dr.Poornima Manandhar chief of CVL Tripureshwor deserve a special thanks from this investigation team for her continuous inspiration

Scientists and Engineers – Two Different Breeds

Last week I posted an article on Myths and Realities of Childhood education. On similar lines, I would like to bring out another important but neglected issue – titled as “Scientists and Engineers – two different breeds”.

A few years back when I was addressing a decent sized gathering organized by CII (Confederation of Indian Industries) at Ahmedabad, I coined and discussed this issue. We need to identify the gap and the difference in needs between the scientists and the engineers. Our syllabi is indifferent and our methods are inadequate to identify if a student is interested to become a scientist or an engineer. I’m not blaming the system, but am appealing to initiate the change that is long over due.

I would like to give a practical example that you can easily relate with. An electronics and tele communication engineer in their syllabi has Laplace transforms, Fourier series (study on waves and frequencies). They score very well in these subjects since they are mathematics oriented This is excellent, there is nothing wrong about it, but they do not understand the principles behind it. A few of these engineers had an opportunity or the need to use these theories in their 25 to 30 years of industrial experience. Surprisingly it won’t be beyond 1%. And these 1% are supposed to be scientists and not engineers. On the contrary, when I asked the gathering of engineering students and fresh engineers – how many of them knows to set up an oscilloscope to measure frequencies and what other test equipments are they familiar with – they could only bend their heads down. The inference from this example is that we waste our time in teaching same thing to two different sets of people whose needs are different and the impact is – we neither get excellent scientists nor practical engineers.

This calls for creation of specific courses to scientists and more practical courses to engineers. One may say that we have Bachelors and Masters of Science. Please note that the majority of this population is joining B.Sc or M.Sc., because they did not get their seats in engineering and so they opted for their B.Sc and M.Sc.

My recommendation is that we need a specific method to identify scientists in an early ageand have objective courses for them to bring in the scientists in them - which is the need of the century. Scientists and Engineers – they are two different breeds and let us not replace the absence of one with the other.

Please look forward to my next article on ‘Home schooling - Opportunities and Challenges’. Thanks and stay tuned..

Dr. PM Anavaratham

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