Marek's disease and avian leukosis Flashcards
What is marek’s disease?
a herpesvirus-induced neoplastic disease of chickens. characterized by infiltration of various nerve trunks/organs by pleomorphic lymphoid cells
Who does marek’s disease occur in? (species)
chickens (sometimes quail, rarely turkey, pheasants, jungle fowl).
What age does marek’s disease occur in
sexually IMMATURE chickens 2-7 months (>3 weeks)
What are the three serotypes of alpha herpes virus?
serotype 1--ubiquitous, the oncogenic type is serotype 1 serotype 2--common in chickens, nononcogenic serotype 3 (turkey) is ubiquitous in turkes and nononcogenic
Is there cross-reactivity between the isotypes of alpha herpes virus?
yes
What is the epidemiology of mareks?
infected chickens shed virus in feather follicle dander, other birds inhale it. Carriers may or may not be sick and shed throughout life.
Does vertical transmission occur in marek’s?
no
What are the clinical signs of Marek’s disease?
- death
2. paralysis
What are the lesions of marek’s disease?
- gross enlargement/yellowing/loss of cross-striations of peripheral nerves
- discoloration of iris (rare)
- enlargement of feather follicles
- visceral tumors (most common)
What is skin leukosis
A lesion of Marek’s disease. enlargement of feather follicles with reddening
What is seen microscopically with Marek’s disease?
lymphomas characterized by PLEOMORPHIC LYMPHOCYTES (T and B cells)
How is Marek’s disease diagnosed?
- history
- clinical signs
- distribution of lesions
- age–2-5mo or after egg production (late mareks)
- histopathology
What are ddx for Marek’s?
- lymphoid leukosis
- botulism
- deficiency of thiamine
Why is serology and virology not useful for diagnosis of Marek’s disease?
the Marek’s disease virus is ubiuitous
How is Marek’s disease controlled
Immunization
Minimize early exposure before immunity develops (7-10d). only need to vaccinate once