Marble spleen disease (MSD) occurs in N. America, Europe, Australia, in Pheasants aged between 3.8 months. It is caused by avian adenovirus serotype I.
- Causes of Marble spleen disease (MSD) >
- Effects of Marble spleen disease (MSD) >
- Diagnosis of Marble spleen disease (MSD) >
- Treatment & Control of Marble spleen disease (MSD) >
Causes of Marble spleen disease (MSD)
Marble spleen disease is an acute viral disease affecting Pheasants or 3.8 months. It is caused by an adenovirus, and is spread by the oral route laterally and vertically through the cloaca.
Special note
There are three serologically distinct avian adenoviruses, which can be differentiated by the AGP test. Serotype I viruses cause IBHV, quail bronchitis, and HE MSDV. Serotype II and serotype III produces AAS produces egg drop syndrome virus.
Effects of Marble spleen disease (MSD)
Signs include paleness, depression, mortality (to 60%), bloody diarrhea and asphyxia (can not breath) in AAS.
Post mortem lesions
Lesions include haemorrhages in the gut, liver, gizzard and proventriculus and anemia. An enlarged mottled spleen and free blood in the Intestines can be seen. MSD of lung edema and congestion are also evident.
Diagnosis of Marble spleen disease (MSD)
Gell Agar precipitin (AGP) test and ELISA can be used to measure antibody. Intra Nuclear inclusion bodies occur in the reticuloendothelial (RE) cells of the spleen. It Simulates coccidiosis, VVND, bacteria and fungi.
Treatment & Control of Marble spleen disease (MSD)
Prevention
Commercial vaccines are available for use at 4 weeks in the water for HE and MSD.
Treatment
None.
