Gumboro is a viral disease, also known as Infectious Bursal Disease or IBD. This viral disease appears in almost all types of poultry farms, big and small. The spread of this disease is seen in all countries around the world. There is no significant treatment for this disease, hence its high mortality rate (22% out of 2110 cases). This disease was first identified in 1962 in Gumboro, Delaware, USA, and hence it was named after the region. There are very few farmers who have not encountered Gumboro in their farming experience. Do you know in which season Gumboro is most commonly seen?

Gumboro

Disease introduction

The Birnavirus serotype 1, which belongs to the Birnaviridae family, is responsible for this disease. There are two strains of this virus: Classical and Variant. The disease primarily affects chicken chicks between 2 to 6 weeks of age. A study has shown that chicks between the ages of 21 to 35 days are most susceptible within the 8 to 60 days age range. Once the virus enters the chicken's body, it primarily attacks the bursa of Fabricius, an organ that is crucial for the development of the chicken's immune system. Consequently, when this organ is attacked, the chicken's immunity weakens, leading to infections from other diseases, particularly coccidiosis or Newcastle disease (ND), suggesting a connection between Gumboro, coccidiosis, and ND. If Gumboro occurs, it often leads to secondary infections with either coccidiosis or ND. Sometimes symptoms of E. coli and Chronic Respiratory Disease (CRD) are also observed. Symptoms of the disease appear 3 to 4 days after the virus enters the body, and death can occur within the next 3 days; however, chickens that survive this period may develop antibodies against the virus within the next five to seven days.

Infection

1. When a healthy chick comes into contact with a sick chick in the same house.

2. Through the air.

3. Through contaminated litter and non-sterilized equipment.

4. The pathogen can enter the shed through open market feed instead of good quality company feed.

5. Due to inadequate biosecurity measures, the pathogen can be brought into the farm via the clothing and shoes of farm workers and visitors.

Prevention

Since there is no treatment for this disease, preventive measures are essential to prevent significant losses in a farm. As preventive measures:

1. Biosecurity measures must be implemented on the farm.

2. As the prevalence of Gumboro is higher during the summer, any wild animals that die near the farm or any chickens that die on the farm must be buried promptly in the ground to prevent the virus from entering the farm through the air.

3. Regular cleaning of food and water containers is necessary.

4. Litter must be regularly cleaned and replaced.

5. Supply of high-quality feed must be ensured.

6. Vaccination against Gumboro must be provided.

Symptoms

Has the mortality rate in your poultry suddenly increased without any apparent symptoms? Learn how to address this, but first, observe if your dead chickens are lying with their legs backward and resting on their chests. If this is the case, it is a clear indication that the Gumboro virus has spread in your farm. This virus attacks the bursa of Fabricius in chickens, reducing their body's immunity, which in turn allows other bacteria and toxins to disrupt the function of various organs. Subsequently, due to high fever, the heart, liver, and kidneys fail, leading to death.

However, there are some early symptoms that can indicate the onset of Gumboro. Let's find out.

Initially, the early symptoms will show that the chickens have reduced their food intake and will sit down lethargically. They will start having white or yellowish loose stools, and due to frequent loose stools, feces will stick to their rear. They will experience high fever, causing them to feel stressed and sit in small groups. In such conditions, 20 to 30% of the chickens will die within three days, and those that survive will develop antibodies within 5 to 7 days, making them less susceptible to other pathogens in the future and likely to gain good weight.

Now let's find out how to identify Gumboro through a postmortem examination.

Initially, in the early stages of the disease, postmortem examination of chickens that die will reveal that the bursa has swollen significantly and may contain white material or blood when cut.

As the virus progresses to its later stages, a postmortem examination will show blood spots particularly in the thighs and chest, as the virus gradually blocks blood circulation. Signs of secondary infections such as Mycoplasma, Typhoid, and E. coli will also be evident in the postmortem findings.

Bursa condition after postmortem

Muscle condition after postmortem