Risk of Infectious Bursal Disease

Deadly Infectious Bursal Disease Virus has been detected at two egg farms in New Zealand, which will threaten Australian farms if it reaches here. The virus is highly contagious and spreads quickly though flocks kept in high densities, but Clinical disease is associated with bird age and mainly affects young hens 3 – 6 weeks old so the pullet rearing sector of the industry is at risk. Chickens that are immunosuppressed by early IBD infections do not respond well to vaccination and are more susceptible to other diseases. Strict biosecurity needs to be practiced, including not allowing anyone on farm who has recently visited New Zealand.