Saturday, March 31, 2012

DISEASES AND TREATMENTS FOR POULTRY ESPECIALLY ASILS/ASEELS

Visit: globalasilclub.webs.com



INTRODUCTION


Many people who are very much interested in rearing Asil/Aseels are mostly unaware of how to treat their birds when they are infected or injured. Here I have collected many information from different sources and compiled it to provide you information when your flock is in danger. I started to collect these information when I was shocked that my Asil flock was infected by New Castle Disease virus. When I lost 6 of my birds I was very frustrated and started my search and I love to share all those information I know. Everyday I do research in the breeding of Asils so I would like to share all my experience here. All you Asil/Aseel fans can also post your ideas, information, knowledge and even can raise queries in the comments section so that everyone reading this will find it very useful. 



PLEASE READ THIS!


All the information provided in this site will be constantly updated so suggestions are always welcomed. You may also find local extension  help or vets for diagnosing more complicated illnesses. This provides you Knowledge, information and guidance to give self treatment and cure all diseases in Asil chickens.


MAJOR PROBLEMS & DISEASES IN CHICKENS


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(check constantly for the updates - still more to come...)




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Swollen Head Syndrome

Avian pneumoviruses have been implicated in the upper respiratory tract disease of turkeys and chickens known as turkey rhinotracheitis. The virus has also been associated with swollen head syndrome of chickens. First described in south Africa in the late 1970s, avian pneumovirus soon appeared in Europe and the Middle East. The disease has now been reported from all the major poultry-producing areas in the world except for Australasia. The virus has also been detected in pheasants and guinea fowl, and serologic evidence suggests other avian species are susceptible. Recent studies have indicated an antigenic relationship with a newly discovered human pneumovirus isolated from children with respiratory tract disease.
Etiology:
Avian pneumoviruses are members of the subfamily Pneumovirinae, belonging to the family Paramyxoviridae. The subfamily consists of 2 genera: Pneumovirus, consisting of mammalian respiratory syncytial viruses and mouse pneumovirus, and Metapneumovirus, in which avian pneumoviruses are placed. Based on observed differences following sequence analysis of the viral genes, at least 3 subtypes of the virus have been described (A, B, C). Subtype C viruses appear to be the only subtype found in North America and have not been reported in other parts of the world.
Transmission and Epidemiology:
Following infection, the virus is shed from the nares and trachea but not in the feces. After initial introduction of the virus, the disease spreads rapidly within a geographic area or country. The methods by which the virus is spread are unclear and often unpredictable. Direct contact attributed to movement of infected birds, personnel, equipment, and vehicles have all been implicated, while airborne transmission has also been reported to occur. There is no published evidence of vertical transmission via the egg, even though the virus has, on occasion, been detected in the reproductive tract of laying birds. Persistence of the virus in turkeys and chickens has not been demonstrated and, following experimental infection, virus was detected for 6-7 days only after inoculation.
Wild birds have been implicated in the spread of avian pneumovirus, particularly waterfowl and gulls.
Clinical Findings:
Clinical signs in turkey poults include snicking, rales, sneezing, nasal discharge, foamy conjunctivitis, swollen infraorbital sinuses, and submandibular edema. Coughing and head shaking are frequently observed in older poults. In laying birds, egg production may drop up to 70% with an increased incidence of poor shell quality and peritonitis. Coughing associated with lower respiratory tract involvement may lead to prolapses of the uterus in laying turkeys.
Morbidity in birds of all ages is usually described as up to 100% with mortality ranging from 0.4% to as high as 50%, particularly in fully susceptible young poults. Secondary pathogens and management factors significantly influence the levels of morbidity and mortality.
Infection in chickens and pheasants is less clearly defined and may not always be associated with clinical signs. Avian pneumovirus is associated with swollen head syndrome in chickens. This condition is characterized by swelling of the peri- and infraorbital sinuses, torticollis, cerebral disorientation, and opisthotonos. Typically, <4% of the flock is affected, although respiratory signs may be widespread. Mortality is rarely >2%. In broiler breeders and commercial layers, egg production and quality are frequently affected. Evidence suggests that infectious bronchitis virus (Infectious Bronchitis: Introduction) and Escherichia coli may also be associated with swollen head syndrome.
Lesions:
In turkeys, excess mucus found in the nares, sinuses, and trachea is clear at first but rapidly becomes mucopurulent. When bacteria are involved, typical lesions of colisepticemia are frequently seen in various organs. The oviducts of affected breeders may contain inspissated albumen and solid yolk. Egg peritonitis may be associated with oviduct regression. Microscopic examination of the upper respiratory tract 1-2 days after infection reveals localized lesions, including loss of cilia, increased glandular activity, congestion, and mild mononuclear infiltration of the submucosa. Inflammatory infiltration of the submucosa can be observed with some mild lesions in the trachea between days 3 and 5. Similar but milder lesions can be observed in affected chickens.
Diagnosis:
Taking samples from the upper respiratory tract of birds in the very early stages of the disease is extremely important when attempting virus isolation. Early investigators found that tracheal organ cultures prepared from turkey or chicken embryos, or 1- to 2-day-old chicks, were the most sensitive for primary isolation of avian pneumoviruses. Ciliostasis may occur within 7 days of inoculation or on passage. The virus has also been isolated following the inoculation of 6- to 8-day-old embryonated chicken or turkey eggs via the yolk sac route and identified by electron microscopy, virus neutralization, and molecular techniques. Cell cultures have not proved successful for the primary isolation of the virus. However, once the virus has been isolated and adapted in the systems above, it will grow in a variety of avian and mammalian cultures.
PCR tests have been developed and are widely used to detect the virus in clinical material, particularly respiratory swabs. Some PCR tests have been constructed so that the subtype as well as the identity of virus can be determined from the clinical sample. Antigen detection tests have also been developed, including immunofluorescence and immunoperoxidase assays on both fixed and unfixed tissues.
Due to difficulties in isolating and identifying pneumoviruses, serologic assays have been developed to confirm infection in commercial chickens and turkeys. A number of commercially prepared ELISA kits are available and are used most commonly, but other techniques including virus neutralization and indirect immunofluorescence have also been used. As with all serologic tests, both acute and convalescent samples should be submitted for analysis. The sera should be heated to 56°C for 30 min and stored at -20°C if delays in testing are unavoidable. While ELISA that use either subgroup A or B strains as antigens detect antibodies to both of these subgroups, the homologous antigen should be used for the efficient detection of subgroup C.
Differential Diagnosis:
Paramyxoviruses (particularly Newcastle disease and paramyxovirus 3), infectious bronchitis virus, and influenza viruses may cause respiratory disease and egg production problems in chickens and turkeys that closely resemble pneumovirus infection. These viruses can be differentiated on the basis of morphology, hemagglutinating and neuraminidase activity, and molecular characteristics. A wide range of bacteria and Mycoplasma spp can cause clinical signs very similar to those of avian pneumovirus. These agents are frequently present as secondary opportunistic pathogens and may mask the presence of the pneumovirus.
Prevention and Treatment:
Good management practices can significantly reduce the severity of infection, especially in turkeys; in particular, optimal ventilation, stocking densities, temperature control, litter quality, and biosecurity all have a positive influence on the disease. Some success in reducing disease severity by controlling secondary adventitious bacteria with antibiotics has also been reported.
Both live and inactivated vaccines are available for immunization of chickens and turkeys and are widely used in countries where the disease is endemic. Live vaccines stimulate both local and systemic immunity in the respiratory tract, and cross-protection between subtypes can occur. To produce complete protection in adult birds, oil-adjuvanted inactivated vaccines are administered to birds previously primed with live vaccines.
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Avian Pneumovirus

Avian Pneumovirus: Introduction
(Turkey rhinotracheitis, Avian rhinotracheitis, Swollen head syndrome)

Etiology
Transmission and Epidemiology
Clinical Findings
Lesions
Diagnosis
Differential Diagnosis
Prevention and Treatment

Avian pneumoviruses have been implicated in the upper respiratory tract disease of turkeys and chickens known as turkey rhinotracheitis. The virus has also been associated with swollen head syndrome of chickens. First described in south Africa in the late 1970s, avian pneumovirus soon appeared in Europe and the Middle East. The disease has now been reported from all the major poultry-producing areas in the world except for Australasia. The virus has also been detected in pheasants and guinea fowl, and serologic evidence suggests other avian species are susceptible. Recent studies have indicated an antigenic relationship with a newly discovered human pneumovirus isolated from children with respiratory tract disease.
Etiology:
Avian pneumoviruses are members of the subfamily Pneumovirinae, belonging to the family Paramyxoviridae. The subfamily consists of 2 genera: Pneumovirus, consisting of mammalian respiratory syncytial viruses and mouse pneumovirus, and Metapneumovirus, in which avian pneumoviruses are placed. Based on observed differences following sequence analysis of the viral genes, at least 3 subtypes of the virus have been described (A, B, C). Subtype C viruses appear to be the only subtype found in North America and have not been reported in other parts of the world.
Back to top
Transmission and Epidemiology:
Following infection, the virus is shed from the nares and trachea but not in the feces. After initial introduction of the virus, the disease spreads rapidly within a geographic area or country. The methods by which the virus is spread are unclear and often unpredictable. Direct contact attributed to movement of infected birds, personnel, equipment, and vehicles have all been implicated, while airborne transmission has also been reported to occur. There is no published evidence of vertical transmission via the egg, even though the virus has, on occasion, been detected in the reproductive tract of laying birds. Persistence of the virus in turkeys and chickens has not been demonstrated and, following experimental infection, virus was detected for 6-7 days only after inoculation.
Wild birds have been implicated in the spread of avian pneumovirus, particularly waterfowl and gulls.
Back to top
Clinical Findings:
Clinical signs in turkey poults include snicking, rales, sneezing, nasal discharge, foamy conjunctivitis, swollen infraorbital sinuses, and submandibular edema. Coughing and head shaking are frequently observed in older poults. In laying birds, egg production may drop up to 70% with an increased incidence of poor shell quality and peritonitis. Coughing associated with lower respiratory tract involvement may lead to prolapses of the uterus in laying turkeys.
Morbidity in birds of all ages is usually described as up to 100% with mortality ranging from 0.4% to as high as 50%, particularly in fully susceptible young poults. Secondary pathogens and management factors significantly influence the levels of morbidity and mortality.
Infection in chickens and pheasants is less clearly defined and may not always be associated with clinical signs. Avian pneumovirus is associated with swollen head syndrome in chickens. This condition is characterized by swelling of the peri- and infraorbital sinuses, torticollis, cerebral disorientation, and opisthotonos. Typically, <4% of the flock is affected, although respiratory signs may be widespread. Mortality is rarely >2%. In broiler breeders and commercial layers, egg production and quality are frequently affected. Evidence suggests that infectious bronchitis virus (Infectious Bronchitis: Introduction) and Escherichia coli may also be associated with swollen head syndrome.
Lesions:
In turkeys, excess mucus found in the nares, sinuses, and trachea is clear at first but rapidly becomes mucopurulent. When bacteria are involved, typical lesions of colisepticemia are frequently seen in various organs. The oviducts of affected breeders may contain inspissated albumen and solid yolk. Egg peritonitis may be associated with oviduct regression. Microscopic examination of the upper respiratory tract 1-2 days after infection reveals localized lesions, including loss of cilia, increased glandular activity, congestion, and mild mononuclear infiltration of the submucosa. Inflammatory infiltration of the submucosa can be observed with some mild lesions in the trachea between days 3 and 5. Similar but milder lesions can be observed in affected chickens.
Back to top
Diagnosis:
Taking samples from the upper respiratory tract of birds in the very early stages of the disease is extremely important when attempting virus isolation. Early investigators found that tracheal organ cultures prepared from turkey or chicken embryos, or 1- to 2-day-old chicks, were the most sensitive for primary isolation of avian pneumoviruses. Ciliostasis may occur within 7 days of inoculation or on passage. The virus has also been isolated following the inoculation of 6- to 8-day-old embryonated chicken or turkey eggs via the yolk sac route and identified by electron microscopy, virus neutralization, and molecular techniques. Cell cultures have not proved successful for the primary isolation of the virus. However, once the virus has been isolated and adapted in the systems above, it will grow in a variety of avian and mammalian cultures.
PCR tests have been developed and are widely used to detect the virus in clinical material, particularly respiratory swabs. Some PCR tests have been constructed so that the subtype as well as the identity of virus can be determined from the clinical sample. Antigen detection tests have also been developed, including immunofluorescence and immunoperoxidase assays on both fixed and unfixed tissues.
Due to difficulties in isolating and identifying pneumoviruses, serologic assays have been developed to confirm infection in commercial chickens and turkeys. A number of commercially prepared ELISA kits are available and are used most commonly, but other techniques including virus neutralization and indirect immunofluorescence have also been used. As with all serologic tests, both acute and convalescent samples should be submitted for analysis. The sera should be heated to 56°C for 30 min and stored at -20°C if delays in testing are unavoidable. While ELISA that use either subgroup A or B strains as antigens detect antibodies to both of these subgroups, the homologous antigen should be used for the efficient detection of subgroup C.
Differential Diagnosis:
Paramyxoviruses (particularly Newcastle disease and paramyxovirus 3), infectious bronchitis virus, and influenza viruses may cause respiratory disease and egg production problems in chickens and turkeys that closely resemble pneumovirus infection. These viruses can be differentiated on the basis of morphology, hemagglutinating and neuraminidase activity, and molecular characteristics. A wide range of bacteria and Mycoplasma spp can cause clinical signs very similar to those of avian pneumovirus. These agents are frequently present as secondary opportunistic pathogens and may mask the presence of the pneumovirus.
Prevention and Treatment:
Good management practices can significantly reduce the severity of infection, especially in turkeys; in particular, optimal ventilation, stocking densities, temperature control, litter quality, and biosecurity all have a positive influence on the disease. Some success in reducing disease severity by controlling secondary adventitious bacteria with antibiotics has also been reported.
Both live and inactivated vaccines are available for immunization of chickens and turkeys and are widely used in countries where the disease is endemic. Live vaccines stimulate both local and systemic immunity in the respiratory tract, and cross-protection between subtypes can occur. To produce complete protection in adult birds, oil-adjuvanted inactivated vaccines are administered to birds previously primed with live vaccines.
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Saturday, December 17, 2011

Marek's Disease Vaccine

Marek's Disease Vaccine (Chicken and Turkey)

This page contains information on Marek's Disease Vaccine (Chicken and Turkey) forveterinary use.
The information provided typically includes the following:
  • Marek's Disease Vaccine (Chicken and Turkey) Indications
  • Warnings and cautions for Marek's Disease Vaccine (Chicken and Turkey)
  • Direction and dosage information for Marek's Disease Vaccine (Chicken and Turkey)

Marek's Disease Vaccine (chicken And Turkey)

This treatment applies to the following species:
Manufacturer: Merial Select
Marek's Disease Vaccine, Live Chicken and Turkey Herpesvirus

U.s. Vet. Lic. No.

279

Active Ingredient(s)

The vaccine contains the FC-126 strain of turkey herpesvirus and the SB-I strain of chicken herpesvirus.
Penicillin and streptomycin sulfate are added as bacteriostatic agents.
Contains fungizone as a fungistatic agent.
Notice: The vaccine has met the requirements of the USDA in regards to safety, purity, potency and the capability to immunize normally susceptible chickens. The vaccine has been tested by the master seed immunogenicity test for efficacy.

Marek's Disease Vaccine (Chicken and Turkey) Indications

The vaccine is recommended for use in healthy one day old chickens as an aid in the prevention of Marek's disease.
Chickens to be vaccinated must be healthy and free of all diseases. It is essential that the chickens be maintained under good environmental conditions, and that exposure to disease viruses be reduced as much as possible in the field.

Marek's Disease Vaccine (Chicken and Turkey) Dosage And Administration

Frozen Vaccine:
Preparation of the Vaccine for Use: Important: Sterilize the vaccinating equipment by autoclaving for a minimum of 15 minutes at 250°F (121°C) or by boiling in water for at least 20 minutes. Never allow chemical disinfectants to come into contact with the vaccinating equipment.
1. Use 200 mL of sterile diluent for each 1,000 doses of vaccine indicated on the ampule.
2. Remove only one (1) ampule of vaccine at a time from the liquid nitrogen container. Thaw and use immediately. Do not hold the ampule toward the face when removing it from a liquid nitrogen container. Never refreeze a vaccine ampule after thawing.
3. The contents of the ampule are thawed rapidly by immersing in water at room temperature (15-25°C). Gently swirl the ampule to disperse the contents. Break the ampule at its neck and quickly proceed as described below.
4. Remove the cover from the diluent container. Draw the contents of the ampule into a sterile 10 mL syringe fitted with an 18 to 20 gauge needle. Slowly add the contents of the vaccine ampule to the appropriate volume of diluent. Withdraw a small amount of the diluent, rinse the ampule once and add this to the vaccine-diluent mixture. Mix the contents of the diluent container thoroughly by swirling and inverting the container. Do not shake vigorously.
5. Use the vaccine-diluent mixture immediately as described below.
Method of Vaccination:
1. Give subcutaneously only.
2. Use a sterile automatic syringe with a 20-22 gauge, 3/8"-1/2" needle which is set to accurately deliver 0.2 mL per dose. Check the accuracy of delivery several times during the vaccination procedure.
3. Dilute the vaccine only as directed, observing all precautions and warnings for handling.
4. Keep the bottle of diluted vaccine in an ice bath and agitate continuously.
5. Inject chickens under the loose skin at the back of the neck (subcutaneously), holding the chickens by the back of the neck just below the head. The loose skin in this area is raised by gently pinching with the thumb and forefinger. Insert the needle beneath the skin in a direction away from the head. Inject 0.2 mL per chicken. Avoid hitting the muscles and bones in the neck.
6. Use the entire contents of the vaccine container within one (1) hour after mixing the vaccine with the diluent.

Precaution(s)

Ampules: Store in a liquid nitrogen container.
Liquid nitrogen container: Carefully observe all liquid nitrogen precautions, including wearing eye protection and gloves. Store in a cool, well-ventilated area. Check the liquid nitrogen level once a day. Keep the container away from incubator intakes and chicken boxes.
Liquid Nitrogen Precautions: The liquid nitrogen containers and vaccines should be handled by properly trained personnel only. These persons should be familiar with the Union Carbide publication “Precautions and Safe Practices - Liquid Atmospheric Gases”, form #9888. Liquid nitrogen is extremely cold. Accidental contact with the skin or eyes can cause serious frostbite. Protect the eyes with goggles or a face shield. Wear gloves and long sleeves when removing and handling frozen ampules or when adding liquid nitrogen to the container. Storage and handling of liquid nitrogen containers should be in a well-ventilated area. Excessive amounts of nitrogen reduces the concentration of oxygen in the air of an unventilated space and can cause asphyxiation. If drowsiness occurs, get fresh air quickly and ventilate the entire area. If a person becomes groggy or loses consciousness while working with liquid nitrogen, get the person to a well-ventilated area immediately. If breathing has stopped, begin artificial respiration. Call a physician immediately.

Marek's Disease Vaccine (Chicken and Turkey) Caution(s)

Do not vaccinate diseased birds.
Vaccinate all of the birds on the premises at one time.
Administer a minimum of one dose for each bird.
Avoid stress conditions during and following vaccination.
Do not place chickens in contaminated facilities.
Exposure to disease must be minimized as much as possible.
For veterinary use only.
Administer only as recommended.
Use entire contents when first opened.
Burn the container and all unused contents.
The capability of the vaccine to produce satisfactory results depends upon many factors, including, but not limited to, conditions of storage and handling by the user, administration of the vaccine, health and the responsiveness of individual animals and the degree of field exposure. Directions for use should be followed carefully.
The use of the vaccine is subject to applicable local and federal laws and regulations.

Warning(s)

Do not vaccinate within 21 days before slaughter.

Presentation

5 x 1,000 dose and 5 x 2,000 dose ampules of virus, with 200 mL of diluent for each ampule.
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