Epidemiology and economic significance of infectious bursal disease in Ethiopia: A Review

Abstract:

Infectious bursal disease is among the most highly contagious immunosuppressive diseases of poultry. Its causal agent is a double-stranded Ribonuclic Nuclic Acid virus known as infectious bursal disease virus. Infectious bursal disease virus has two serotypes. Serotype1 is host-specific affects chicken. Young chickens that are 21-45 days are highly susceptible. Serotype2 is non-pathogenic. The main mode of transmission is primarily via the fecal-oral route. Risk factors for the occurrence of disease is feed, water and litter from infected chicken houses since this virus remain infective for significant time periods. This virus mainly affects bursa fabricus. Initially, affected bursa fabricus shows sign of swelling from edema hemorrhage during the early stages of disease and then atrophy one week following infection. The virus is resistant and can survive in various environmental conditions and commonly used disinfectants. The virus is exposed to genetic changes and via forming mutations and reassortment, which leads to formation of new variants and change in epidemiological situation in a field. Poultry farm biosecurity is the primary focus area to prevent and control of this disease. Appropriate cleaning and disinfection before introducing new flocks are essential for limiting the spread of disease to other area. Infectious bursal disease causes significant economic losses either directly or indirectly. The direct losses associated with mortality of infected chickens and reduced production.