Extracted From: A Pocket Guide to Poultry Health and Disease By Paul McMullin © 2004 Click Here to Order Your Copy

Introduction

A disease of turkeys caused by the viruses of the Pneumovirus genus, Paramyxoviridae. Morbidity is 10-100% and mortality 1- 30%. Rapid transmission occurs laterally, possibly involving fomites; vertical transmission is uncertain, maternal antibody may protect.

Signs

• Decreased appetite.
• Loss of voice.
• Ocular and nasal discharge.
• Sudden drop in production that lasts 2-3 weeks.
• Eggs depigmented and thin-shelled.

Post-mortem lesions

• Serous rhinitis and tracheitis.

Diagnosis

Signs.
Serology, isolation of ciliostatic agent.

Treatment

Antibiotics are not very effective, control respiratory stressors, chlorinate drinking water.

Prevention

All-in/all-out production, vaccination - live primer followed by inactivated.