Lymphoproliferative Disease (LD) is a viral disease caused by a retrovirus primarily affecting turkeys, but can also occur in chickens and other birds. The disease results in abnormal proliferation of lymphoid cells in various organs.
SYMPTOMS
CAUSES
PREVENTION
TREATMENT
Symptoms
- Turkeys (Most commonly affected):
- Depression and lethargy
- Weight loss
- Enlarged liver and spleen
- Lymphoid tumors in various organs
- Decreased egg production
- Mortality typically 10-20%
- Peak occurrence at 8-16 weeks of age
- Chickens:
- Less common and milder symptoms
- Similar manifestations but lower mortality
- Reduced egg production in layers
Causes and modes of transmission
- Viral Characteristics:
- Retrovirus (LPDV – Lymphoproliferative Disease Virus)
- Primarily affects lymphoid tissue
- Long incubation period (4-8 weeks)
- Transmission Routes:
- Vertical (through eggs)
- Horizontal (direct contact)
- Mechanical vectors
- Contaminated equipment
- Blood-feeding insects
Prevention strategies
- Biosecurity:
- Strict sanitation protocols
- Vector control
- Isolation of affected flocks
- Testing breeding stock
- Clean equipment and facilities
- Management:
- Regular health monitoring
- Stress reduction
- Age separation
- All-in-all-out production
- Proper ventilation
Treatment options
- Direct Treatment:
- No specific treatment available
- Culling of affected birds recommended
- Focus on prevention
- Supportive Care:
- Stress reduction
- Optimal nutrition
- Environmental management
- Isolation of affected birds
