INFECTIOUS BRONCHITIS VIRUS
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Causative Agent(s)
Coronavirus (different strains) Affects respiratory and urogenital systems (and GI). Very common in broilers.
Clinical Presentation and Epidemiology
Transmission is through aerosolized droplets, ingestion, and contact. Some strains are excreted in faeces for one month after recovery. Rapid spread to nearly 100% of exposed birds. Most severe in baby chicks.
Clinical signs in young birds include coughing, sneezing, tracheal rales. Wet eyes and dyspnoea, facial or head swelling (swollen sinuses) seen occasionally. Interstitial nephritis with some strains. Layers exhibits drop in egg production, with misshapen, thin-shelled eggs and watery albumen.
Diagnostic Consideration
Rise in titre shown by ELISA, HI, or viral neutralization.
Management and Treatment
Antibiotics may decrease mortality from secondary infections. Increasing environmental temperature may help. Vaccine available.