Classification of the Causative Agent – Virus family Paramyxoviridae, genus Rubulavirus
Temperature: Inactivated by 56°C/3 hours,60°C/30 min
pH: Inactivated by acid pH
Chemicals: Ether sensitive
Disinfectants: Inactivated by formalin & phenol
Survival: Survives for long periods in feces
Epidemiology –
Hosts
- Many species of birds, domestic & wild
- Morality /morbidity rates vary among species & strains
- Chickens most susceptible poultry, ducks/geese least
- Carrier state may exist in psittacine & some wild birds
Transmission
- Direct contact with secretions, feces, from infected birds
- Contaminated feed, water, implements, premises, clothes
Sources of Virus
- Respiratory discharges, feces
- All parts of the carcass
- Virus shed during incubation & convalescence
- Psittacines can shed virus intermittently for over 1 year
Diagnosis –
Incubation is four to six days
Clinical Diagnosis
- Respiratory and/or nervous signs:
- gasping & coughing
- drooping wings, dragging legs, twisting of the head & neck, circling, depression, loss of appetite, paralysis
- Partial or complete cessation of egg production
- Abnormal eggs, watery albumen
- Greenish watery diarrhea
- Swelling around eyes & neck
- Morbidity/mortality depend on strain, vaccine immunity, environmental conditions & flock health
Prevention & Control –
No treatment
Medical Prophylaxis
- Vaccination with live and/or oil emulsion vaccine
- Live B1 & La Sota strains administered in drinking water
- Other infections may aggravate vaccine reaction
Sanitary Prophylaxis
- Strict isolation of outbreaks
- Destruction of all infected & exposed birds
- Thorough cleaning and disinfection of premises
- Proper carcass disposal (bury or burn)
- Respiratory discharges, feces
- All parts of the carcass
- Pest control in flocks
- Depopulation followed by 21 days before restocking
- Avoid contact with birds of unknown health status
- Control of human traffic
- 1 age group per farm breeding recommended
🦜🦜 Click Images Below To Explore More Popular Bird Supplies on Amazon!! 🦜🦜
