Poultry

Question 1

Definition of free range poultry?

Answer 1

During daylight have access to:

• ground with vegetation
• mud and nettles
• bark, woodchips, gravel or mesh

Question 2

Normal temperature for poultry?

Answer 2

40-42C

Question 3

Normal HR for poultry? Normal respiratory rate for poultry?

Answer 3

120-160bpm (Auscultate through wishbone)

20-130brpm - watch tail movement

Question 4

Where to take blood from a bird?

Answer 4

Wing vein

Right jugular

Question 5

Which worm eggs should be looked for in a poultry faecal sample?

Answer 5

Gizzard worm
Trichostrongyle
Heterakis
Gapeworm
Capilaria

Question 6

What skin glands do poultry have?

Answer 6

Generally no sebaceous or sweat glands
Uropygieal/preen gland in some species - produces lipid secretion for feather maintenance
Within outer auditory canal
Ventral glands of cloaca

Question 7

What is the brood patch?

Answer 7

Different proportion/location for different species
Mostly caudal half of ventral apterous
Hormone controlled
Prior to laying, loses all/part of feathers and highly vascularised
Many thermo-receptors
Subsequent cycle of moulting, feathers regrown

Question 8

Problems with poultry feathers?

Answer 8

Feather pecking
Moulting
Wing clipping
Nutrition related
De-pluming mite

Question 9

Indications of skin problems?

Answer 9

Discoloured comb - pale, purple, black, yellow, white flakes, white spots

Question 10

Treatment for skin and feather parasites of poultry?

Answer 10

Lice: louse powder
Mites: louse powder contains permethrin
Diatomaceous earth
Scaly leg mite: surgical spirit
De-pluming mite: ? Do not use fipronil (not licensed)

Question 11

How do the proventirulus and gizzard work together?

Answer 11

Food moves between them several times
Works like stomach and teeth
Gizzard must have insoluble grit to act as teeth

Question 12

What do capillaria, heterakis, ascarids, trichostrongyles, tapeworm and gizzard worm cause in poultry?

Answer 12

Capillaria: ill thrift, fatal
Heterakis: ill thrift
Ascarids: ill thrift, fatal if impaction
Trichostrongyles: ill thrift, severe weight loss
Tape worm: ill thrift, weight loss
Gizzard worm: fatal in young stock
All have variable degree of loss of LBW, FCR, drop in egg production

Question 13

What is Heterakis a vector/intermediate host for?

Answer 13

Histomonas spp

Question 14

Treatment of poultry worms?

Answer 14

Flubendazole licensed wormer

In food for 7 days

Question 15

What does Histomonosis cause in poultry? Species? Intermediate host? Prevention/treatment?

Answer 15

'Blackhead'
Histomonas melaegridis
Yellow diarrhoea, fatal if not treated early
Intermediate host = Heterakis gallinarum
No specific treatment
Biosecurity top priority
Control Heterakis - flubendazole
Mortality up to 100%

Question 16

What does Trichomonosis cause in poultry? Treatment?

Answer 16

Cancker
Worm regularly and cider vinegar (7d/month)
Probiotics

Question 17

What does Hexamitosis cause in poultry?

Answer 17

Diarrhoea and unthriftiness

Question 18

Clinical signs of Chlamydia psittaci infections of poultry and waterfowl? Diagnosis, treatment and prevention?

Answer 18

Purulent ocular and nasal discharge
Conjunctivitis
Dull and depressed
Anorexia
Ruffled feathers
Diagnosis - clinical signs, lesions, bacteriology, serology
Treatment/prevention - no vaccine available, antibiotics (no response to macrolides), hygiene and sanitation, biosecurity

Question 19

Clinical signs of Aspergillus fumigatus infection in poultry and young game birds?

Answer 19

Dyspnoea/gasping poults
Production drops (poultry)
Weight loss
Mortality increased

Question 20

How long does it take for an egg to be made and travel from infundibulum to cloaca? What happens at each place?

Answer 20

Infundibulum: catches ovum, 0.5h
Magnum: albumin added, 3h
Isthmus: shell membranes added, 1.25h
Uterus: egg shell added, 20h
Vagina
Cloaca

Question 21

How long is incubation for chickens, turkeys and ducks?

Answer 21

Chickens: 21d

Turkeys and ducks: 28d

Question 22

What temperature to store eggs at and for how long for incubation?

Answer 22

10C
Over 24h but <7d old
Turn eggs daily

Question 23

What is candling?

Answer 23

9-10d after incubation
To determine the egg fertility
Use small bright torch held at broad end of egg in dark room

Question 24

Clinical signs of egg peritonitis?

Answer 24

Ascites
Peritonitis
Death

Question 25

How may eggs and the oviduct be affected by IBV infection?

Answer 25

Mis-shapen/weak eggs Watery whites Rough shell Cystic/atrophic oviduct

Question 26

How does Mycoplasma synoviae affect eggs?

Answer 26

Apex egg abnormalities

Question 27

What is the main cause of egg bound?

Answer 27

Lack of available calcium

Question 28

Which drugs to use for anaesthesia of poultry?

Answer 28

Ketamine SC or IM or in bait for peacock capture And medetomidine Reversal with atipamezole

Question 29

Analgesia for poultry?

Answer 29

``` Buprenorphine Carprofen Ketoprofen Meloxicam IM Then orally to weight ```

Question 30

Euthanasia of poultry?

Answer 30

``` Pentobarbitone - IV - wing, jugular - IM breast muscle after masking down - Intracardiac, long needle via thoracic inlet - Occipital sinu Neck dislocation if <3kg ```

Question 31

Where to take blood from waterfowl?

Answer 31

Medial metatarsal vein

Question 32

What is Angel wing in ducks?

Answer 32

Excessive protein intake during rearing can cause uratesto to be deposited in soft joints - carpal area seems last to ossify The primary feathers are the last to be produced At peak primary feather growth, the carpal joint deforms with the weight of the blood quills Makes the primaries point outwards

Question 33

What causes rickets? Clinical signs? Influenced by? Solution?

Answer 33

Cause = Calcium, phosphorous or vitamin D deficiency Rubbery bones Bird unable to support itself, increased skeletal deformities Waterfowl mostly present with lameness, slow growth and twisted bones Influenced by mycotoxins, malabsorption of Ca, P, vat D? Solution: check diet formulation/management and supplement vitamin D

Question 34

What type of viruses cause Duck viral enteritis and Duck viral hepatitis?

Answer 34

Duck viral enteritis - herpesvirus | Duck viral hepatitis - picornavirus

Question 35

What type of viruses cause Goose viral hepatitis (Derzy's disease) and haemorrhage nephritis and enteritis of geese?

Answer 35

Goose viral hepatitis (Derzy's disease) - parvovirus | Haemorrhage nephritis and enteritis - polyomavirus

Question 36

What type of virus is Avian Influenza?

Answer 36

Orthomyxovirus

Question 37

What Pasteurellosis species affect waterfowl?

Answer 37

P multocida | P anatipestifer

Question 38

Most are common signs of disease in waterfowl?

Answer 38

Lameness Lethargy Weight loss Sudden death

Question 39

Causes of lameness of waterfowl?

Answer 39

``` Soft tissue injury Foreign body Joint infection Osteoarthritis Fractures Mycoplasma tenosynovitis Renal/gonadal neoplasia Renal coccidiosis Heavy metal toxicity Bumblefoot Avian TB ```

Question 40

How to treat waterfowl fractures?

Answer 40

``` First treat the shock Rigid stabilisation of fracture site Rotational alignment IM pin and ESF - to ensure rigidity, resist all shearing/torsion/bending forces Restoration of bone length Clean swimming water for rehab ```

Question 41

Causes of waterfowl penile prolapse?

Answer 41

Venereal disease Trauma Significant cold weather Excessive sexual stimulation

Question 42

What is pinioning?

Answer 42

Feather clipping Allowed in ducklings and goslings up to 7d old Normally not done except for Call duck Annual feather clipping of primaries often sufficient and acceptable Surgical pinioning for adults if any trauma

Question 43

Gamebird young chick problems (2-14do)?

Answer 43

``` Yolk sac infection Septicaemia Starve out Aspergillosis Rotavirus ```

Question 44

What agents cause Spironucleosis and Trichomoniasis in game birds? What age do they affect? Clinical signs? Risk factors? Diagnosis?

Answer 44

``` Spironucleus melaegridis (1-12wo) Trichomonas gallinae (6-16wo) Clinical signs: - watery diarrhoea (often yellow and frothy) - dehydration - weight loss - depression - lethargy - death Risk factors: - wet and moist environment - overcrowding - stress Diagnosis: - necropsy fresh SI smear - differentiate the protozoa under microscope - duodenum and ileum: mostly spironucleus - caecum: trichomonas ```

Question 45

What causes young game birds to get yolk sac infections?

Answer 45

Infection in eggs - navel infection | Environmental Infection/spread - bacteria grows well in yolk sac

Question 46

What is starve out in game bird chicks? Clinical signs?

Answer 46

``` Failure to find feed/water High mortality Lethargic chicks Empty gizzard Gizzard containing bedding material ```

Question 47

Causes of starve out in young game bird chicks?

Answer 47

``` Breeding flock unhealthy Prolonged hatching period Chill-effect after hatch Temperature variation on arrival/house Environment - ammonia, heat, carbon Poor feed and water insufficient/distribution ```

Question 48

Which game birds does Rotavirus affect? Mortality level? Age affected? Clinical signs? Treatment? Prevention?

Answer 48

``` Pheasants and partridges Up to 70% mortality 4-14do Clinical signs: - depression - dropped wings - closed eyes - huddling - ruffled feathers - death Treatment: disinfectant in drinking water or spray Prevention: - frequent egg collection - egg cleaning and disinfection - cleaning and disinfection between flocks/pens/batches ```

Question 49

What is the most pathogenic Coccidia species in young game bird poults? Where is it found? What age? Diagnosis? Treatment?

Answer 49

``` Eimeria colchici Found in caecum 15do-16wo Likes warm and moist environment for oocysts to proliferate Diagnosis: - necropsy: gut smear - faecal smear Treatment - toltrazuril, amprolium ```

Question 50

Main clinical sign of enteritis/dysbacteriosis in gamebird releasing poults? Diagnosis? Treatment?

Answer 50

Scour in growing poults leading to dehydration Diagnosis - necropsy, inflammation of GIT Treatment - antibiotics, improve hydration, acidification of water system, competitive exclusion products, electrolytes

Question 51

Stress factors related to release of game birds poults?

Answer 51

Chill effect following release to new environment/outside Transport stress - ventilation, withholding food/water Unfamiliar environment Searching for food and water Exposure to predators

Question 52

Respiratory diseases of game bird breeders?

Answer 52

Mycoplasma gallisepticum Mycoplasma synoviae Coronavirus infections

Question 53

Which worms can build up in game bird breeds? Clinical signs of worm build up?

Answer 53

Syngamus trachea Heterakis gallinarum Capillaria Ascarids Clinical signs: - high mortality - poor food conversion and weight gain

Question 54

Clinical signs of Mycoplasma in game bird breeders?

Answer 54

Swelling of infraorbital sinuses and eyes Nose and eye discharges Breathing difficulties Weight loss Decreased egg production and watchability/chick quality Lameness

Question 55

Clinical signs of Pheasant Coronavirus in adults and young birds? Prevention and treatment?

Answer 55

Adults - sudden death, rates in kidney, drop in egg production/hatchability Young birds - swollen kidneys, urates deposition of visceral organs No specific treatment Some use IBV vaccines Biosecurity

Question 56

Clinical signs of Newcastle Disease in gamebirds?

Answer 56

``` Dullness Depression Diarrhoea Neurological signs Drop in egg production/quality See 3rd year lectures ```

Question 57

Breeding of pigeons? When are eggs produced? Incubation period? Feeding? Leaving the nest?

Answer 57

``` Pair for life First egg 8-10 days post pairing Another one after 2 days Breed all year round Incubation 17-19d Chicks fed crop milk for 1-4d, then digested corn Fledglings leave nest by 24 days ```

Question 58

Signs of unhealthy pigeons?

Answer 58

``` Evidence of not eating/drinking Not laying eggs/eggs failing to hatch Little or no preening/loss of bloom/ruffled feathers Little noise or different in noise Hunched up/huddle together Pale wattles Sunken eyes Abnormal/watery droppings Failure to exercise Tail bobbing Dropping wings ```

Question 59

Life expectancy of a pigeon?

Answer 59

20-30 years

Question 60

Normal body temperature, HR and RR of a pigeon?

Answer 60

39.8-43.3C HR: 180-250bpm RR: 26brpm

Question 61

Common pigeon problems?

Answer 61

``` Lice Mites Coccidia Worms Bacteria -parathyroid Paramyxovirus Pigeon pox tumours One eyed cold ```

Question 62

What louse can pigeons get? Clinical signs? Treatment?

Answer 62

Columbicola columbae = slender pigeon louse See them on white feathered bird's wings and body Irritation, restlessness, damaged feathers Often heavy infestation indicates underlying health issue Treat with permethrin powders/sprays, ivermectin spot on

Question 63

Which mites can pigeons get?

Answer 63

``` Depluming itch mite (Knemidocoptes gallinae) Red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) Northern Fowl mite (Ornithonyssus sylvia rum) Scaly leg mite (Knemidocoptes mutant) ```

Question 64

Clinical signs of Pigeon Paramyxovirus?

Answer 64

``` Neuro signs PUPD Torticolis Unable to feed or fly Sudden death in chicks and newly weaned Feather abnormalities Some recover but with chronic polyuria ```

Question 65

What causes Canker in pigeons? Spread? Clinical signs? Treatment?

Answer 65

Trichomonas - strain variation in virulence Spread via crop milk, almost within hours of hatching Mostly subclinical, excess mucus in oropharynx Yellow necrotic lesions in mouth, leaves ulcerated surface when dislodge Treatment: - carmidazole - rondidazole - dimetridazole

Question 66

Clinical signs of coccidia infection in pigeons?

Answer 66

``` Fluffed up Weak Emaciated Drinking a lot Green diarrhoea ```

Question 67

Which worms can pigeons get? What do they cause/clinical signs?

Answer 67

Ascaris - little pathology but may cause intestinal obstruction Capillaria obsignata - subclinical-clinical depending on age at infection Listless, weak, regurgitation, inappetence, diarrhoea, emaciation, mortality, catarrhal enteritis

Question 68

Which non infectious causes of high mortality of chicken and turkey chicks are there?

Answer 68

Temperature/humidity/ventilation Water/feeder problems Arrived weak and poorly - hatchery issues, transportation, parent bird nutrition Nutritional deficiencies - rickets, encephalomalacia

Question 69

Infectious causes of high mortality of chicken chicks?

Answer 69

Navel/yolk sac infection - Salmonella, E.coli Aspergillosis Vaccine reactions Avian encephalomyelitis

Question 70

What immunosuppressive diseases affect chicken growers/finishers and pullets?

Answer 70

``` IBDV CAV Marek's disease Reoviruses Mycotoxicosis - non infectious ```

Question 71

What respiratory diseases affect chicken growers/finishers and pullets and layers?

Answer 71

``` Mycoplasma IBV aMPV ILT NDV AIV E.coli (not layers) P multocida Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale (ORT) (not layers) Infectious Coryza Parasites - worms, protozoa (Brachyspira app - layers) Environmental ```

Question 72

Clinical signs of Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale (ORT) infection of chicken growers/finishers and pullets? Main lesions? Diagnosis? Treatment? Prevention?

Answer 72

``` Signs: - coughing and sneezing - reduced weight gain/poor FCR - reduced egg production Main lesions - air sacculitis, tracheitis, bronchopneumonia Diagnosis: - culture and PCR Treatment; - antibiotics (amoxicillin, chlortetracycline, macrolides) Prevention: - vaccine - biosecurity and management improvements ```

Question 73

What gastroenteritis diseases affect chicken growers/finishers and pullets?

Answer 73

``` Salmonella E.coli (ETEC) Clostridia Campylobacter Parasites - worms, protozoa Crop mycosis Environmental ```

Question 74

Clinical signs of Clostridium enteritis infection of chicken growers/finishers and pullets? Lesions? Diagnosis? Treatment and prevention?

Answer 74

``` Signs: - depression, ruffled feathers - sudden death, increased mortality - any age but acute form in young chickens - subclinical: weight gain?, poor FCR Lesions: - necrosis of intestinal mucosa - fibrinonecrotic enteritis forming a diphtheritic membrane - mild form: focal necrosis of intestinal mucosa Diagnosis: - signs and lesions - culture - PCR Treatment/prevention: - antibiotics - biosecurity and management improvements ```

Question 75

What nervous diseases affect chicken growers/finishers and pullets?

Answer 75

``` Avian encephalomyelitis Marek's disease Botulism Nutritional encephalomalacia NDV AIV ```

Question 76

What type of virus causes Avian Encephalomyelitis (AE)? Clinical signs? Diagnosis? Treatment and prevention?

Answer 76

``` Picornavirus Signs: - tremors of head, neck and legs - paralysis - cataracts - drop in egg production in laying birds Diagnosis: - histopathology and PCR No treatment Prevent with vaccination ```

Question 77

What non infectious causes of lameness are there of chicken growers/finishers and pullets?

Answer 77

``` Tibial dyschondroplasia Spondylolisthesis Rickets Valgus-Varus deformities (long bone distortion) Ionophore toxicity ```

Question 78

What infectious causes of lameness are there of chicken growers/finishers and pullets?

Answer 78

``` Marek's disease Botulism Bumblefoot Viral arthritis Infectious synovitis Staph or other septic arthritis ```

Question 79

What influences the development of Tibial dyschondroplasia (TD)?

Answer 79

Genetic selection Feed: Calcium/phosphorous ratios Acid:base balance in feed Mycotoxins

Question 80

What infectious diseases (non respiratory) are there of chicken layers?

Answer 80

Marek's disease Avian encephalomyelitis Parasites - Capillariasis, Heterakis, Ascaris, Tapeworm, mites Peritonitis

Question 81

Main cause of peritonitis of chicken layers? Secondary to which infections? Influencing factors?

Answer 81

``` E.coli Secondary to: - M synovial, P multocida, Erysipelas, ORT - IBV, aMPV, NDV, AIV Influencing factors: - flock uniformity - body weight - physical and hormonal stresses - source of bacteria (e.g. water and air) ```

Question 82

Prevention and treatment of peritonitis in chicken layers?

Answer 82

Sustain body weight and uniformity Reduce stress factors Minimise bacterial challenges Control primary pathogens via vaccination Vaccination against E.coli Treatment - antibiotics, E.coli vaccination

Question 83

Which Brachyspira species affect chicken layers? Diagnosis, prevention and treatment?

Answer 83

B innocens - little or no disease B pilosicoli - mild disease B alvinipuli - mild disease B intermedia - severe disease Diagnosis - appearance of faeces, culture and PCR for confirmation Prevention/treatment - organic acid programmes, macrolides

Question 84

Metabolic/mechanical causes of disease in chicken layers?

Answer 84

``` Cage layer fatigue Uterovaginal prolapse Fatty liver haemorrhage syndrome Fatty liver syndrome Mycotoxicosis Water deprivation Light failures Sudden noise Sudden change in feed quality Environmental? ```

Question 85

What causes egg drop syndrome of chicken layers? Clinical signs? Diagnosis? Treatment? Prevention?

Answer 85

``` Adenovirus Signs: - 5-50% drop in egg production (3-4 weeks) - shell quality may be affected (rough, thin or soft shell eggs, loss of pigment) - no increase in mortality Diagnosis: - serology - histopathology - virus detection (PCR) Supportive treatment Vaccination ```

Question 86

At what age is a turkey a: chick, grower/finisher, pullet and layer?

Answer 86

Chick: <3 weeks Grower/finisher: 3-12 weeks Finisher or pullet > 12 weeks Layer: > 30 weeks

Question 87

At what age is a chicken a: chick, grower/finisher, pullet and layer?

Answer 87

Chick: <2 weeks Grower/finisher: 2-8/9 weeks Pullet: 10-18 weeks (commercial layer), 10-25 weeks (breeders) Layer: 18-72/90 weeks (commercial layers), 25-72/90 weeks (breeders)

Question 88

When are turkeys slaughtered?

Answer 88

12-15 weeks for meals (5.5kg) | 18-21 weeks for males (17-19kg)

Question 89

Infectious causes of high mortality/poor growth of turkey chicks?

Answer 89

``` Navel/yolk sac infection - Salmonella, S Arizonae, E.coli, Proteus Candidiasis Viral turkey hepatitis Coccidiosis/cryptosporidiosis Aspergillosis Turkey Coryza (Bordetellosis) Staphylococcosis Avian encephalomyelitis Arizonosis Mycotic encephalitis Mycotic keratoconjunctivitis ```

Question 90

Influencing factors for enteritis of turkeys, causing wet litter?

Answer 90

Breed - some more susceptible? Environment - temperature, humidity, ventilation Nutrition, chilling, starving Pathogenic and non pathogenic coccidia, bacteria, viruses (turkey conovirus, astrovirus, rotavirus, reovirus)

Question 91

Why can enteritis of turkeys cause wet litter? Treatment and prevention?

Answer 91

``` Imbalances of small intestine leads to watery faeces Treatment - antibiotics Prevention: - immuno-competent and healthier birds - proper nutrition - water quality/hygiene - probiotics/competitive exclusion - acidification of feed/water ```

Question 92

Which Eimeria species cause significant and less significant disease in turkeys? Where are the lesions?

Answer 92

Significant: E melaegrimitis - lesion in upper SI E adenoides - lesion in caecae and rectum Less significant: E gallopavonis and melaegridis - lesions in SI, rectum and caecae E dispersa - lesions in SI

Question 93

Diagnosis, prevention an treatment of Coccidia in turkeys?

Answer 93

Difficult diagnosis as always found in turkeys Significance based on lesions/oocyst count Prevention/treatment: Coccidiostats - e.g. monensin Don't use tiamulin with ionophores (toxicity problems) Toltrazuril, sulphonamides Treatment: Antibiotics - e.g. amoxicillin

Question 94

Clinical signs of Turkey coronavirus? When affected? Diagnosis and prevention/treatment?

Answer 94

``` Severe depression but little/no mortality High morbidity Watery scour, 9-11 weeks Some dullness Diagnosis - PCR No specific treatment Biosecurity top priority ```

Question 95

Impact of Astrovirus of turkeys? When affected? Diagnosis and prevention/treatment?

Answer 95

Age: 5-10 days old Severe typhlitis resulting in high culling Severe economic losses from running and culling Diagnosis - PCR No specific treatment Biosecurity top priority

Question 96

Clinical signs of Rotavirus of turkeys? When affected? Diagnosis and prevention/treatment?

Answer 96

``` Age: 2-3 weeks old Main signs - enteritis, vent pecking Diagnosis - EM, isolation, PCR No specific treatment Hyperimmune egg powder, maintain hydration Biosecurity top priority ```

Question 97

What does Erysipelothrix rhusiopathae cause in turkeys? Infection source? Diagnosis, treatment and prevention?

Answer 97

Persistent high mortality Organism stays viable in organic matters for long period Nearby or past/present pigs/sheep farming Diagnosis - signs, lesions, PCR Treatment - antibiotics Prevention - vaccine

Question 98

How does Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale (ORT) affect turkeys?

Answer 98

Not much respiratory disease (unlike chickens) Mild respiratory signs, 12-14 weeks More of lameness due to joint infection, lasts 4+ weeks Diagnosis - PCR, serology (difficult to grow) Treat with antibiotics Prevent with management/biosecurity

Question 99

What causes turkey coryza? Clinical signs? Diagnosis, treatment and prevention? Morbidity and mortality?

Answer 99

``` Bordetella avium =Bordetellosis URT infection and damage URT disease signs Leads to secondary infection Recovery after 4-6 weeks for single infection, longer if complicated Diagnosis - serology, culture, PCR Treatment - antibiotics Prevention - vaccine Morbidity = 80-100% Mortality = 0-40% ```

Question 100

What ages are affected by Duck viral hepatitis (DVH)? Do ducks become immune? What are the 3 antigenic ally different viruses identified in Duck viral hepatitis (DVH)? How is Duck viral hepatitis DVH spread? Clinical signs of Duck viral hepatitis (DVH)? What lesions are seen with Duck viral hepatitis? Diagnosis and control of Duck viral hepatitis (DVH)?

Answer 100

Highly infectious in ducklings (2d-3wo) - high morbidity Completely immune from 7+ weeks Type 1: picornavirus (classical disease) = widespread and virulent Type 2: astrovirus Type 3: picornavirus (but no cross protection with type 1) Type 1 and 3 resistant and viable for long periods in the environment (weeks to months) Entry into birds by ingestion Contaminated people, vehicles, equipment and other farm materials could spread the virus Type 1: most widespread, peracute death within 1h Dead birds in good condition Opisthotonus Mortality >90%, often 5-10% in endemic areas Type 3: similar signs but mortality 30% Liver: enlarged, petechial/ecchymotic haemorrhages Fatty kidneys Septicaemic carcasses Diagnosis - blood/organ for virus isolation in eggs, no PCR or commercial serology Control - vaccination of breeders and ducklings

Question 101

Which species of bird does Duck viral enteritis (DVE) affect? How is it spread? Clinical signs of Duck viral enteritis (DVE)? Lesions seen in Duck viral enteritis (DVE)? Diagnosis and control of Duck viral enteritis (DVE)?

Answer 101

Ducks and geese Breeding birds more susceptible Presence of water essential Oral and cloacal routes Wild waterfowl can spread to domestic ducks Latency reported - virus shed for many years ``` Ataxia Eye discharge, pasty eyelids Nasal discharge Diarrhoea - water with blood, vent blood stained Photophobia Normally body condition good ``` Multiple haemorrhages in tissues Free blood in body cavity Petechial haemorrhages on visceral organs Haemorrhage on oesophageal mucosa, other GIT Necrotic foci on liver and oesophagus ``` History, clinical signs and lesions Virus isolation confirms PCR No routine serology Control - biosecurity, avoid contact with wild birds, vaccination ```

Question 102

Clinical signs of avian influenza in waterfowl?

Answer 102

``` Small increase in mortality Drop in egg production Decreased food and water consumption Subdued Necropsy: aspergillosis, air sacculitis, salpingitis, egg peritonitis ```

Question 103

What main problem does Newcastle disease cause in ducks?

Answer 103

Ducks relatively resistant Common problem - major drop in egg production No clinical signs in younger birds

Question 104

What does E.coli mostly cause in ducks? Age affected? Diagnosis, treatment and prevention?

Answer 104

Egg peritonitis in laying birds 1-8 week old birds susceptible Diagnosis - history, clinical signs, necropsy, lab support Treatment - antibiotics Prevention - hygiene and sanitation, management, vaccinate breeders

Question 105

What does Riemerella anatipestifer cause in waterfowl? Diagnosis and treatment?

Answer 105

Polyserositis, exudates and fibrin covering visceral organs Lymphoid necrosis of the spleen white pulp Diagnosis - culture Treatment - antibiotics, autogenous vaccine

Question 106

Which Salmonella species affect waterfowl? Clinical signs? Spread? Diagnosis? Treatment/prevention?

Answer 106

``` S indiana, S kedougou Little clinical signs Infrequent mortality 0-7d Vertical and horizontal transmission Diagnosis - clinical signs, lesions, bacteriology Treatment/prevention: - vaccines - antibiotics - competitive exclusion - hygiene and sanitation - biosecurity ```

Question 107

Aspergillus fumigateurs in waterfowl - source of infection? Age affected? Clinical signs? Spread? Diagnosis? Treatment/prevention?

Answer 107

Contaminated environment - litter, feed 7d - adult Gasping, weight loss, anorexia, death Stress exacerbates susceptibility and disease Vertical and horizontal transmission Diagnosis - clinical signs, lesions, mycology, PCR Treatment/prevention - fresh bedding, anti fungals in feed, hygiene and sanitation, biosecurity

Question 108

What are the notifiable diseases of poultry and pigeons?

Answer 108

Avian influenza Newcastle disease Pigeon paramyxovirus

Question 109

Similarities and differences between Avian influenza virus and Newcastle disease virus?

Answer 109

Both are: enveloped RNA viruses with surface spikes, helical nucleocapsid, ss RNA genome, antigenic drift, highly infectious of wide range of avian species, range from pathogenic to highly virulent, can cause resp, enteric and sometimes nervous signs or high mortality without specific signs AIV - Orthomyxovirus, H, N spikes, antigenic shift, segmented genome (8 gene segments), codes for 10 proteins NDV - paramyxovirus, H,N,F spikes

Question 110

What are the most important respiratory disease of poultry in the UK?

Answer 110

``` Infectious bronchitis Avian metapneumovirus infectious laryngotracheitis Mycoplasmosis Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale Aspergillosis ```

Question 111

Avian metapneumovirus: family and genus? Subtypes? Which birds affected? Signs? Spread? Control?

Answer 111

``` Paramyxoviridae, pneumovirus Subtypes A, B (C and D in France) Affects turkeys and chickens (most important disease of turkeys in recent years) Respiratory disease: - coughing - sneezing - nasal and ocular discharge - swollen sinus - drop in egg production, poor shell quality, loss of pigment in shells - egg peritonitis - milder in chickens: can be asymptomatic - complicated by E.coli, Mg, ORT Spread: - horizontal bird-bird via mucus, aerosols, fomites on humans, wild birds? - evidence of replication in oviduct epithelium Pathogenesis: - virus in droplets -> epithelium of turbinates, trachea -> via bloodstream to oviduct epithelium? Control: - biosecurity and hygiene - reduce stocking densities - single age sites: all in, all out - improve ventilation - avoid temperature fluctuations - antibiotics for secondary infections - good nutrition - vaccination - avoid immunosuppression ```

Question 112

What is swollen head syndrome? Aetiology?

Answer 112

Oedematous swelling of head, eyelids, incoordination E.coli always isolated Seems to follow aMPV

Question 113

Vaccination for aMPV: Types available?

Answer 113

Live: given early in life via spray or drinking water Killed: injection before lay Protects against drop in egg production/quality Must ensure each bird receives full dose (individual drops better than spray or drinking water) - reversion of vaccine virus and disease possible if incomplete vaccine take

Question 114

What are the economically important avian mycoplasmas?

Answer 114

M gallisepticum and synoviae: respiratory disease in intensive chickens and turkeys, synoviae also arthritis M melaegridis: airsacculitis in turkeys

Question 115

Mycoplasma gallisepticum/synoviae: clinical signs? Pathogenesis? Control?

Answer 115

``` Clinical signs: - nasal discharge - coughing - sneezing - tracheal rales - swollen IOS - watery eyes - sinusitis and conjunctivitis (especially turkeys and game birds) - poor weight gain - downgrading at slaughter (airsacculitis) - reduced egg production - delayed onset of lay - increased 'dead in shell', reduced hatchability, reduced survivability - lameness - swollen joints/synovitis - sternal bursitis Pathogenesis of Mg: - intracellular - capable of infecting and multiplying in RBCs - ability to infect brain - variable expression of surface epitopes Control: - treatment - eradicate from primary breeding stock - vaccination ```

Question 116

Gross lesions seen with Mycoplasma gallisepticum/synoviae?

Answer 116

``` Nasal exudate Air sacculitis Sinus exudate Salpingitis Synovitis Keratoconjunctivitis Fibrinous perihepatitis and pericarditis Severe lung congestion Tracheitis ```

Question 117

Overall costs of Mycoplasma gallisepticum infections?

Answer 117

``` Overt disease (respiratory, locomotory) Poor weight gain Reduced feed conversion efficiency Reduced hatchability Downgrading at slaughter Loss of exports Treatment Laboratory tests Control measures ```

Question 118

Infectious laryngotracheitis: Aetiology? Characteristics? Clinical signs? Which birds? Age affected? Spread? Control?

Answer 118

Aetiology: gallid herpesvirus-1 Intranuclear inclusions in trachea and chorioallantoic membrane, becomes latent Characteristed by difficulty breathing, gasping and expectoration of blood and mucus - acute: dyspnoea, gasping, head shaking, clots of blood and mucus coughed up (pathognomic), blood stained walls - mild: conjunctivitis, lacrimation, nasal discharge, lowered egg production Adult chickens mainly Spread: - horizontal via droplets from infected birds (slower spread than other resp diseases) - reactivation of latent virus due to stress, onset of lay etc (live virus in trigeminal ganglia) - no egg transmission Control: - no treatment - live vaccination in areas of high risk, live, can become latent

Question 119

Lesions seen with ILT?

Answer 119

``` Confined to respiratory tract Acute: - cheesy plugs in trachea and larynx - bloody exudate - infamed bronchi and air sacs Mild: - mild conjuncitivits - excess tracheal mucus Histology: - intranuclear inclusion bodies in trachea in early stages ```

Question 120

Avian influenza: Types? Pathogenesis? Signs? Spread? Diagnosis?

Answer 120

A, B and C (only A of veterinary importance) Only virulent avian influenza is notifiable Subtypes definite by 'spike' glycoproteins: controls pathogenesis, diagnosis, immunity, control No cross-immunity between subtypes = vaccination problem H5 and H7 associated with high pathogenicity (HPAI) Low pathogenicity (LPAI) H5 and H7 (e.g. H7N9) viruses are able to mutate to HPAI viruses Pathogenesis: - replication in wide range of tissues (resp and GI are initial sites) - necrosis, congestion, haemorrhage - incubation: hours - 3d in single host, up to 14d in flock Signs: - death without obvious signs - respiratory distres, conjunctivitis, nasal discharge, lacrimation, sneezing, coughing, dull - lack of appetite - diarrhoea - drop in egg production - neuro signs Spread: - rapid via aerosols, resp excretions - faecal excretion - waterfowl carriers no egg transmission but surface contamination - via people, equipment - feathers - contamination of water courses Diagnosis: Samples sent to international reference lab, RT-PCR

Question 121

Which species are the main 'mixing vessel' for new influenza viruses?

Answer 121

Pigs

Question 122

What affects what clinical signs are seen with avian influenza?

Answer 122

``` Agent: - pathotype - strain - dose - infection route - co-infection Host: - species - age - sex - immunity - stress Environment ```

Question 123

Lesions seen on Pm with avian influenza?

Answer 123

``` Dehydration Harmorrhage of skin and organs Periorbital oedema Cyanosis Firm, pale mottling of pancreas Hyperplasia and necrosis of spleen Inflammation of sinuses Tracheal oedema, congestion, haemorrhage, exudate Oviduct inflammation Swollen kidneys Peritonitis ```

Question 124

How stable is avian influenza outside the host?

Answer 124

Not very stable outside host - killed by phenol, formalin, UV 2 weeks in dust but much longer in cold, moist conditions (surface water, lakes)

Question 125

Grouping of Newcastle disease virus?

Answer 125

Grouped based on virus virulence/tropism ``` Viscerotropic-velogenic: - acute, lethal infection - gut haemorrhage lesions Neurotropic-velogenic: - respiratory and neurologic disease - no gut lesions - high mortality Mesogenic: - respiratory and neurological signs - low mortality Lentogenic: - mild infections of respiratory tract Asymptomatic enteric: - avirulent infection - primary replication in the gut ```

Question 126

Newcastle disease: Clinical signs?

Answer 126

``` General signs: - loss of appetite - abnormal thirst - dehydration - emaciation - ruffled feathers - huddling - depressed Neurotropic: - tremors - star gazing - twisted neck - convulsions - incoordination - paralysis of wings/legs Pneumotropic: - mild rales and snick - sneezing and coughing - nasal discharge - laboured breathing - open mouth breathing - head shaking - greenish-yellow diarrhoea Viscerotropic: - greenish-yellow diarrhoea - haemorrhage of intestinal tract ```

Question 127

Newcastle disease virus: control?

Answer 127

Biosecurity to prevent entering farm | Increase flock resistance with good flock management and nutrition, avoid immunosuppression, vaccination

Question 128

Infectious bursa disease: Aetiology? Serotypes? Pathotypes? Pathogenesis? Control?

Answer 128

Avibirnavirus Non enveloped dsRNA 2 serotypes: - serotype 1: >6 antigenic subtypes, high mortality - serotype 2 Pathotypes: - mild strains: no clinical signs or mortality, may cause bursal lesions - classical strains: mortality (<20%), cause bursal lesions, break through moderate MDA - very virulent strains: severe mortality (>20%), bursal lesions, break through higher MDA levels compared to classical strains - variant strains: break through higher levels of MDA than classical, causes infection and severe bursal lesions resulting in immunosuppression, mortality <5% Spread: - horizontal via faecal-oral - no vertical transmission Pathogenesis: - infect and destroy immature B cells - reduces number and function of plasma cells - reduced antibody production - reduced immune response to vaccinations and increased susceptibility to other agents Control: - biosecurity - vaccination - management

Question 129

Clinical signs of infectious bursa disease?

Answer 129

Acute: - sudden onset - depression, ruffled feathers, vent pecking - after 3 days of infection, mortality and morbidity peaks and slows down by 5-7 days later - mortality in layer-type tend to be higher than meat- type - dehydration - muscular haemorrhage - variable size and bursal lesion depending on disease progress Very virulent strains: - much higher morbidity and mortality - more prominent haemorrhage on muscle, proventriculus and bursa - histological lesions of bursa: more generalised, severe and persist longer - others lymphoid organs are also affected, eg. thymus, caecal tonsil, spleen etc)

Question 130

What happens with subclinical infectious bursa disease?

Answer 130

Infection of chicks with MDA at young age (< two weeks) leads to infection and replication of virulent IBD in the bursa (but protected against IBD clinical signs) No typical mortality pattern of clinical IBD Increased incidence of secondary infection Often decreased response to other vaccinations (eg. ND, IB, ILT and etc) Increased carcass condemnation (indirectly) Lesions: - bursal atrophy - lesions associated with other secondary pathogens e.g. E.coli, Mycoplasma

Question 131

Chicken anaemia virus? Type of virus? Transmission?

Answer 131

Gyrovirus Transmission: - vertical: when hens are still susceptible but stops following development of VN antibodies, also via semen of infected roosters - horizontal: faecal/oral, respiratory, feather follicles epithelium - CAV-maternal antibody negative chicks susceptible to infection and disease, 1-2 weeks-old - CAV-maternal antibody positive chicks protected from disease, probably against infection Control: - vaccination before egg production - no treatment

Question 132

Pathogenesis of chicken anaemia virus? Clinical signs and lesions?

Answer 132

Infection -> viraemia - > themes, spleen (CD4, CD8) -> atrophy, immunosuppression - > bone marrow (haemocytoblasts) -> anaemia ``` Normally seen in CAV-maternal Ab negative chicks, infected < 7 days-old Clinical signs at about 12-17 days old: - anorexic - weak and depressed - pale - low PCV - anaemic on blood smears - leukopenia/pancytopenia - mortality variable - increased susceptibility to secondary infection and poor response to common vaccinations ``` Lesions: - thymus: pale and atrophy - bursa of Fabricious: small - bone marrow: pale or yellow - haemorrhage: skin, muscle and organs - histopathology: depletion of lymphoid cells in lymphoid organs; bone marrow atrophic or hypoplastic

Question 133

Marek's disease: Aetiology? Transmission? Manifestations? Control?

Answer 133

Mardivirus (oncogenic herpesvirus) Characterised by nerve swellings and tumours Transmission: - mature virus excreted only be feather follicles -> inhaled - high virus load in dander and dust Manifestations: 1. Neurological: infiltration of CNS and nerves -> 'Floppy broiler syndrome': transient paralysis of legs or wings, and eye lesions (sciatic and brachial nerves affected) 2. Visceral: tumours in heart, ovary, testes, muscle, lungs 3. Cutaneous: tumours of feather follicles 4. Ocular: uni or bilateral eyes Mortality up to 100% Immunosuppressive Control: - live vaccination at 1do by injection

Question 134

Infectious bronchitis: Aetiology? What does it affect? Signs? Control?

Answer 134

Type 3 coronavirus Chickens and game birds - affects growth, FCR, egg production/quality Different serotypes/genotypes - rapid recombination/mutation = vaccine problem Signs in broilers: - resp disease - reduced bodyweight Signs in layers: - resp disease - egg drop, then recovers after 4-6 weeks - poor egg quality - egg peritonitis: yellowish flakes, broken egg yolk, infection, inflammation, obstruction - nephritis of young birds Control: - vaccination - biosecurity