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Symptoms and Prevention and Treatment of Avian Encephalomyelitis

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Avian encephalomyelitis is caused by a virus and mainly affects chicks under 1 month of age. Affected chicks gradually become unable to stand, resting on the hock joint on the ground, or lying on one side with one leg extended; some affected chicks show paroxysmal trembling of the head and neck, and sudden sounds can trigger the trembling. Affected chicks always have an appetite, and can feed if the trough is moved beside them. Most affected chicks eventually die of exhaustion because they cannot get feed and water. The incidence rate is generally 10-20%, and the mortality rate averages about 10%. [Necropsy] In the muscular layer of the proventriculus and gizzard there are many

Avian encephalomyelitis is caused by a virus and mainly affects chicks under 1 month of age. Affected chicks gradually become unable to stand, resting on the hock joint on the ground, or lying on one side with one leg extended; some affected chicks show paroxysmal trembling of the head and neck, and sudden sounds can trigger the trembling. Affected chicks always have an appetite, and can feed if the trough is moved beside them. Most affected chicks eventually die of exhaustion because they cannot get feed and water. The incidence rate is generally 10-20%, and the mortality rate averages about 10%.

[Necropsy] In the muscular layer of the proventriculus and gizzard there are many small white lesions, slightly larger than a needle tip, not very easy to observe. Cut thin slices from the gizzard muscle with a sharp blade and observe under strong light with a magnifying glass; they can be seen. If only very few are present, normal chickens also have them.

[Key Diagnostic Points]

(1) Mainly affects chicks within 1 month of age.

(2) Weak and soft legs, resting on the hock joint, trembling of the head and neck, and affected chicks always have an appetite.

[Prevention and Treatment]

(1) When this disease is confirmed in chicks, all chicks showing symptoms should be immediately culled and deeply buried to protect the other chicks.

(2) In areas where this disease is prevalent, breeding chickens should be vaccinated with avian encephalomyelitis vaccine at 100-120 days of age, which has a good effect.

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