Infectious bursal disease

Infectious bursal disease (IBD), also known as Gumboro disease, is a highly contagious disease of young chickens caused by infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), characterized by immunosuppression and mortality generally at 3 to 6 weeks of age. The disease was first discovered in Gumboro, Delaware in 1962.

Etiology

IBD is caused by the IBDV, a member of the family Birnaviridae. The virus is very resistant to physical and chemical agents. There are two serotypes of the virus. Serotype 1 viruses are pathogenic for chickens. Serotype 2 viruses are not pathogenic for chickens.

Clinical signs

The clinical signs are depression, anorexia, ruffled feathers, watery diarrhea, and dehydration. The birds may be found dead without showing any signs. The mortality rate can be as high as 30%.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of IBD is based on the clinical signs, lesions, and laboratory tests. The bursa of Fabricius is enlarged and edematous with yellowish fluid in the early stage of the disease. In the later stage, the bursa is atrophied. The histopathological changes in the bursa are pathognomonic. The virus can be isolated from the bursa, and identified by virus neutralization, ELISA, or PCR.

Treatment and control

There is no specific treatment for IBD. The disease is controlled by good management, biosecurity, and vaccination. The vaccines are either inactivated for parenteral use, or live for oral or spray use. The vaccination should be done at the right age with the right dose and the right route.

See also

• Avian diseases
• Poultry farming
• Vaccination in poultry

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