Causes: Marble spleen disease is caused by avian adenovirus serotype I.

Effects: Mortality up to 60% is seen following symptoms of respiratory compromise such as weakness, dyspnoea and asphyxia.

Marble spleen disease is an acute viral disease affecting pheasants of 3-8 months. It is caused by an adenovirus, and is spread laterally by the oral route and vertically through the cloaca.

There are three serologically distinct avian adenoviruses, which can be differentiated by the AGP test. Serotype I viruses cause IBHV, quail bronchitis, HE and MSDV. Serotype II produces AAS and serotype III virus produces egg drop syndrome.

Signs include paleness, depression, mortality (to 60%), bloody diarrhoea and asphyxia (can’t breath) in AAS.

Lesions include haemorrhages in the gut, liver, proventriculus and gizzard and anaemia. An enlarged mottled spleen and free blood in the intestines can be seen. MSD oedema and congestion of lungs are also evident.

Agar gell precipitin (AGP) test and ELISA can be used to measure antibody. Intranuclear inclusion bodies occur in the reticuloendothelial (RE) cells of the spleen. It simulates coccidiosis, VVND, bacteria and fungi.

Commercial vaccines are available for use at 4 weeks in the water for HE and MSD.

None.

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