Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) was
first recognized in the USA near the town of Gumboro, Delaware and thus
has been known as Gumboro disease. This virus causes an immuno-suppressive
disease in chickens. The disease is usually subclinical in birds less
than two weeks of age and clinical disease is generally observed in
birds over two weeks of age.
Control of IBDV and the resulting immunosuppression is mediated by
maternal antibodies and active immunity following vaccination. Although
IBDV strains of different antigenic types have been incorporated into
vaccines, IBDV infections persist.
The immunosuppression resulting from an IBDV infection is the underlying
cause of many cases of respiratory and enteric disease in chickens.
Infectious bursal disease is an economic problem throughout much of the
world. The type of disease and virus strains varies from continent to
continent. Although molecular tests have improved our ability to
diagnose and identify IBDV strains, we are only beginning to gain an
appreciation for the amount of genetic, antigenic and pathogenic
diversity that exists among wild-type viruses around the world.
We are committed to improving the health of poultry through research on
the prevention, control, and diagnosis of IBDV.
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Dr. Daral J. Jackwood
Food Animal Health
Research Program
Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center
1680 Madison Ave.
Wooster, Ohio 44691
(330) 263-3964
Fax (330) 263-3677
Jackwood.2@osu.edu
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