Inclusion body hepatitis occurs worldwide in chickens, broiler breeder pullets, leghorn pullets, of 2-20 weeks. It is caused by the double stranded DNA Adenovirus. It replicates in the nucleus forming basophilic inclusion bodies. Prior exposure to IBDV or CAV depresses the immune response and makes birds more susceptible to IBH.
- Causes of Inclusion body hepatitis (IBH) >
- Effects of Inclusion body hepatitis (IBH) >
- Diagnosis of Inclusion body hepatitis (IBH) >
- Treatment & Control of Inclusion body hepatitis (IBH) >
Causes of Inclusion body hepatitis (IBH)
IBH is an acute to chronic viral disease affecting chickens, broiler breeder pullets, leghorn pullets aged 2-20 weeks. IBH virus is an undeveloped, icosahedral, double-stranded DNA adenovirus. It replicates in the nucleus forming basophilic inclusion bodies.
Mode of transmission
Infected litter and fomites and transovarian transmission are important means for viral spread.
Special note
Prior exposure to IBDV or CAV depresses the immune response and makes birds more susceptible to IBH.
Effects of Inclusion body hepatitis (IBH)
Signs include depression, ruffled feathers, off feed and poor feed conversion. Pale comb and wattles, gangrenous dermatitis, high mortality (up to 50%) and/or anaemia are common secondary findings.
Postmortem lesions
Lesions include fatty and/or haemorrhage liver, pale bone marrow (anaemia), and haemorrhages in the skeletal and heart muscles.
Atrophy of spleen and bursa due to early IBDV or chick anaemia virus (CAV) infections are also a common finding.
Diagnosis of Inclusion body hepatitis (IBH)
Microscropic observations of liver cells will reveal diagnostic intranuclear inclusion bodies. It simulates aflatoxicosis.
Treatment & Control of Inclusion body hepatitis (IBH)
Prevention
Avoid stress and vaccinate against IBD to help control the disease.
Treatment
Antibiotics are recommended to reduce secondary invaders which may cause dermatitis and anaemia.
