| AVIAN LEUKOSIS (Lymphoid Leukosis) |
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Causative Agent: Retrovirus |
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Transmission: 1. Through the egg 2. Contact exposure |
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Incubation Period: 4 months |
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Morbidity: Rarely above 5% |
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Mortality: High in generalized and diphtheretic form. Low or moderate in the cutaneous form (lower than 50%). |
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Age Group affected: 5 months to 10 months |
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Signs: 1. Birds are unthrifty or emaciated 2. Pale head parts. 3. Enlargement of the abdomen due to enlarged liver. 4. Decreased egg production. |
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Gross Lesions: Liver - enlarged with nodular tumour growth Spleen - greatly enlarged Nodular - tumour growth may be found in the liver, spleen, kidney and bursa. |
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Diagnosis: 1. Based on the gross and microscopic lesions. 2. Complement Fixation Test (CFT). |
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Differential Diagnosis: Marek's Disease |
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Prevention: 1. Vaccination 2. Strict sanitation and good management |
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Control: 1. Isolation and dispose by burning or burying infected birds. 2. Depopulation and elimination of sick birds. |
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Recommended Supportive Medication: None |
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