Changes

Also known as: '''''AE'''''— '''''Epidemic tremor in chickens'''''

Also known as: '''''AE'''''— '''''Epidemic tremor in chickens'''''—'''''Avian encephalomyelitis virus (AEV)'''''

 

 

 

 

==Introduction==

==Introduction==

Avian Encephalomyelitis (AE) is commonly known as epidemic tremor in chickens and is caused by a hepatovirus [[avian encephalomyelitis-like virus 1| '''''avian encephalomyelitis-like virus 1''''']] (AEV).  The disease is of economic concern to breeders and layers as it causes a '''decrease in egg production''' in laying hens, a '''decrease in egg hatchability''', '''neurological diseases in chicks under three weeks of age''' and '''affected chicks that that survive are considered unlikely to be profitable'''.

Avian Encephalomyelitis (AE) is commonly known as epidemic tremor in chickens.  It is caused by the hepatovirus ''Avian encephalomyelitis-like virus 1''(AEV)'''single-stranded RNA''' (ssRNA) viruses.  It was formerly classified as an ''enterovirus'' but is now considered a '''''Hepatovirus''''' as its genome ecodes for a single polyprotein (2134 amino acids), which shares greater resemblance to that of the hepatitis A viruses than the other picornavirus genera.

It belongs to the familiy [[Picornaviridae| '''''Picornaviridae''''']]. AEV causes the disease known as [[Avian Encephalomyelitis| '''''avian encephalomyelitis''''']]. 

.  The disease is of economic concern to breeders and layers as it causes a '''decrease in egg production''' in laying hens, a '''decrease in egg hatchability''', '''neurological diseases in chicks under three weeks of age''' and '''affected chicks that that survive are considered unlikely to be profitable'''.

The disease is spread '''horizontally''', via the faecal-oral route and chicks from non-immune layers under the age of three weeks are neurologically affected.  '''Vertical transmission''' can also occur from infected layers to their chicks.  The virus may be shed for several weeks. Once a bird becomes infected with the disease or is vaccinated it is immune to AE for life, some birds are left blind.  AE is not considered a zoonosis.

The disease is spread '''horizontally''', via the faecal-oral route and chicks from non-immune layers under the age of three weeks are neurologically affected.  '''Vertical transmission''' can also occur from infected layers to their chicks.  The virus may be shed for several weeks. Once a bird becomes infected with the disease or is vaccinated it is immune to AE for life, some birds are left blind.  AE is not considered a zoonosis.