Mareks Disease

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Revision as of 20:49, 29 October 2008 by Bepocock (talk | contribs) (New page: {{unfinished}} {{toplink |linkpage =Viruses |linktext =VIRUSES |sublink1=Herpesviridae |subtext1=HERPESVIRUSES |pagetype =Bugs }} <br> ====Hosts==== *The most important disease of '''un...)

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VIRUSES
HERPESVIRUSES




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