1,433
edits
Changes
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
no edit summary
[[Category:To Do - Steph]]
Also Known As – '''''Turkey rhinotracheitis - Avian pneumovirus infection – Swollen head syndrome'''''
Caused By – ''Turkey Rhinotracheitis virus – Avian Pneumovirus – APV - TRTV''
==Introduction==
Turkey Rhinotracheitis Virus is a '''[[Paramyxoviridae | paramyxovirus]]''' causing '''respiratory disease''' in turkeys and chickens.
It is one of the most important [[Viruses | viral]] respiratory diseases of turkeys.
TRV is not zoonotic.
==Distribution==
Widespread in '''Europe'''.
Thought to be present in Asia, Africa, South America and North America.
Can replicate in the reproductive and respiratory systems. Transmission is mainly oral.
==Signalment==
'''Turkeys''' appear most susceptible to disease although other domestic fowl can be infected.
'''Intensive''' rearing systems with high stocking density are conducive to spread of disease.
==Clinical Signs==
Clinical signs usually begin 3 days after infection but are mild initially.
'''Mortality''' is highest in turkey '''poults''' and is usually due to secondary bacterial infection.
'''Tachypnoea, nasal discharge, dyspnoea, sneezing, abnormal breathing'''.
'''Decrease in egg production''' and reproductive failure. Folded egg membranes and egg peritonitis may develop.
'''Torticollis''', reluctance to move, swelling of the head, face and eyes, head shaking.
'''Lack of growth''' and retardation.
==Diagnosis==
Serological diagnosis can be achieved by '''[[ELISA testing | ELISA]]'''.
'''Indirect immunofluorescence''' and '''viral neutralisation''' can be applied to tissue sections.
'''Viral isolation''' can be attempted from nasal turbinates, trachea or exudates and is easiest in turkeys.
Necropsy findings can also be suggestive:
===Turkeys===
On post-mortem, '''clear to greyish exudate''' is present in the nasal turbinates and excess '''mucus''' is present in the trachea. Inflammatory exudates is evident microscopically.
In hens, oviductal infection is represented by '''inspissated albumen''' forming white masses. Misshapen eggs may be present and ovarian regression evident.
===Other fowl===
On post-mortem, '''turbinate mucosae''' are discoloured '''red-purple''' by petechiation. The subcutaneous tissues covering the head are oedematous with fibrinopurulent inflammation. Pericarditis and perihepatitis are regularly seen.
Egg peritonitis is also sometimes found.
==Treatment==
There is '''no treatment''' for the viral infection but '''antibiotics''' administered in drinking water may minimise losses by treating secondary bacterial infection.
==Control==
'''Vaccines''' are available against Type A and B TRV and are the main form of control in endemic countries. Killed vaccines must be first '''primed''' with a live vaccine to be effective.
Good '''biosecurity''' should always be practised including particular attention to storage and disposal of carcasses on the unit. Air quality should be monitored and maximised and birds of different ages segregated wherever possible.
==References==
<references/>
Animal Health & ProductIon Compendium, '''Turkey Rhinotracheitis Virus''' datasheet, accessed 06/06/2011 @ http://www.cabi.org/ahpc/