Introduction

An infection of turkeys caused by an unidentified virus. Morbidity varies, mortality is 1-25%. Transmission may be by direct or indirect contact and possibly vertical. Birds remain carriers for up to 16 days.

Signs

• Signs are usually subclinical.
• Depression and sporadic deaths in birds in good condition.

Post-mortem lesions

• Grey foci (c. 1 mm) coalescing.
• Congestion.
• Focal haemorrhage.
• Bile staining.
• Grey to pink foci in the pancreas.
• Microscopically - no inclusion bodies.

Diagnosis

Isolation in CE, lesions pathognomonic. Differentiate from histomonosis, bacterial and fungal infections.

Treatment

None; with good management many birds recover.

Prevention

Good sanitation and management.