Also known as Pneumovirus, Swollen head syndrome
Avian pneumovirus (Swollen Head Syndrome) infections occurs in Europe, South Africa, Middle East, Asia. USA (turkeys only), Latin America. It affects both chickens and turkeys of all ages. It is a single-stranded, RNA virus 80-200nm.
- Causes of Avian pneumovirus infections >
- Effects of Avian pneumovirus infections >
- Diagnosis of Avian pneumovirus infections >
- Treatment & Control of Avian pneumovirus infections >
Causes of Avian pneumovirus infections
Swollen head syndrome is a chronic disease affecting chickens and turkeys of all ages. Avian pneumovirus is a non-hemaggllutinating, nonsegmented, enveloped single stranded RNA virus of the family Paramyxoviridae family with helical capsid symmetry (80-200nm).
It is spread by airborne routes and mechanical (feed, water, and equipment). Immunosuppression plays a role, and E. coli is a common secondary invader. In the United States, pneumovirus is recognized as a pathogen only in turkeys. Swollen heads are typically seen following a severe reaction to NDV-IBV vaccination in immunosuppressed stressed birds.
Special note
Swollen Head Syndrome is a common problem in broiler breeders in broilers and layers and occasionally in Europe and South Africa.
Effects of Avian pneumovirus infections
Signs include snicking, Rales, sneezing, nasal discharge, conjunctivitis Foamy, and swelling of the infraorbital sinuses. Submandibular edema, mortality 0-10%, torticollis, cerebral and disorientation may occur. A drop in egg production, whitish color of eggs and morbidity approaching 100% of the flock may also be seen.
Postmomrtem lesions
Yellow edema and / or haemorrhage in nasal turbinates, laynx, trachea and subcutaneous layer of skin around head can be evident.
Diagnosis of Avian pneumovirus infections
Viral isolation from the trachea, lungs or nasal exudates in embryonating turkey eggs or chicken organ cultures is diagnostic.
Serological tests include virus neutralization, and ELISA. It Simulates many respiratory diseases including influenza, bronchitis, mycoplasma, E. coli, and infectious coryza.
Treatment & Control of Avian pneumovirus infections
Live vaccines are usually given by spray or drinking water for broiler breeders and broilers and / or killed vaccines for broiler breeders and turkey breeding are available in Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America.
Antibiotics can be used for secondary invaders. Fresh Air in the house and reduced stocking density are helpful.
