ENCEPHALOMYELITIS

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Causative Agent(s)

Picornavirus, also called "epidemic tremor”. Disease of Japanese quail, turkeys, chickens, and pheasants. Disease in adult birds is inapparent except for a transient drop in egg production. Disease is worse in chickens than in turkeys. It is transmitted vertical (mostly) and horizontal.

Clinical Presentation and Epidemiology

Usually appear at 7-10 days of age. Ataxia and tremor of head, neck, and limbs. Affected chicks may sit on hocks, show paresis, or even complete inability to move.

Diagnostic Consideration

History, signs, histology. Virus isolation for confirmation. Serology of paired samples.

Management and Treatment

Commercial live vaccine for breeder pullets 10-15 weeks old. No treatment once signs are seen. Controlled by vaccination of breeder flocks.