Avian Encephalomyelitis Flashcards

Question	Answer		Article
Name the virus that causes avian encephalomyeltits (AE)?	Avian encephalomyelitis-like virus 1 (AEV)		Link to Article
What are the main economic concerns for breeders and layers about AE?	Temporary decrease in egg production in laying hens Decrease in egg hatchability Neurological disease and morbidity /mortality of chicks under three weeks of age Surviving chicks are considered unlikely to be profitable		Link to Article
How is AE spread?	Horizontally via faecal-oral route (main route of infection) Vertical transmission from infected layer to their chicks		Link to Article
What species of birds does AE affect?	Chickens (main domestic host) Species of partridge Turkey Quail Guineafowl Pheasants		Link to Article
What are the clinical signs of AE?	AE causes the most serious disease in chicks under 3 weeks of age. The clinical signs for this age group are: neurological signs ranging from ataxia, rapid tremor of the head and neck, drooping of the wings, weakness, paralysis, exercise intolerance to blindness and changes in vocalisation. Weight loss, lameness, and unthriftiness Affected chicks sit on their hocks, and cannot move well and many fall over onto their sides Laying hens rarely show clinical signs but the virus causes: Temporary reduction (2 weeks) in egg production Decrease in droppings Decrease in hatching rates		Link to Article
How can AE be diagnosed?	The following methods have been used to help diagnose Avian Encephalomyelitis (AE): Virus Neutralization test Agar Gel test Embryo Susceptibility test Elisa test All of the above tests indicate exposure to AE but not neccessarily a current infection. Diagnosis can be achieved confirmed by either histopathology or by virus isolation. Post mortem and identification of pathognomonic lesions in the: Midbrain and rotundua and ovidalis nucleus (microglisosis Proventriculus (dense nodules within the muscular wall) Lesions can also be present in the pancreas		Link to Article