A case study of polymelia in chicken at Peren district of Nagaland

Abstract

The present case study is the first ever reported case of polymelia in a domestic chicken from Jalukie, Peren district, Nagaland. Out of 26 healthy hatched chicks, a chick exhibited severe limb deformities characterized by the presence of extra limbs. These extra limbs, measuring 4 cm in length were structurally abnormal, lacking a clear femur, tibia, or fibula, and were fused at the upper part of the normal limb but separated at the intratarsal joint. In contrast, the unaffected left limb measured 5 cm in length. Despite normal feeding behavior and responsiveness, the chick was unable to stand and survived for few days and death. Highlighting such unusual cases contributes to the documentation of congenital anomalies in poultry and offers valuable insights into potential influencing factors.