Difference between revisions of "Mareks Disease"

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*'''Vaccines''' administered in ovo at 18 days
 
*'''Vaccines''' administered in ovo at 18 days
 
[[Category:Herpesviridae]][[Category:Poultry]]
 
[[Category:Herpesviridae]][[Category:Poultry]]
[[Category:To_Do_-_Viruses]]
+
[[Category:To_Do_-_Clinical/Viruses]]

Revision as of 12:24, 30 July 2010



Caused by a herpesvirus

Hosts

  • The most important disease of unvaccinated backyard chicken flocks

Pathogenesis

  • Replicates initially in the lungs and B cells
  • Enters feather follicles: produces virus-laden dander that is shed into litter
  • Reaches T cells, causing proliferation without virus protein production
  • T cells localize in brain or nerves causing encephalitis
  • End stage: massive visceral tumors

Epidemiology

  • More virulent strains evolving: presents a challenge to vaccinal immunity

Control

  • Removal of litter between batches of chicks
  • Vaccines administered in ovo at 18 days