Aviadenovirus

Avian adenovirus
Virus classification
Group:	Group I (dsDNA)
Family:	Adenoviridae
Genus:	Aviadenovirus
Type species
Fowl adenovirus A

Aviadenoviruses are adenoviruses that affect birds - particularly chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys and pheasants. There are currently eight species in this genus including the type species Fowl aviadenovirus A. Viruses in this genus cause specific disease syndromes such as Quail Bronchitis (QB), Egg Drop Syndrome (EDS), Haemorrhagic Enteritis (HE), Pheasant Marble Spleen Disease (MSD) and Inclusion Body Hepatitis (IBH). Avian adenoviruses have a worldwide distribution and it is common to find multiple species on a single farm. The most common serogroups are serogroup 1, 2 and 3.

No evidence of transmission from birds to humans has been identified. The virus is mainly spread horizontally by the oro-fecal route, but vertical transmission can occur in serogroup 1. Once it has infected the bird the virus may remain latent until a period of stress, when it may then cause clinical disease.

Infections are normally subclinical, however clinical disease can occur - especially in young birds as maternal antibody levels begin to wane.

Clinical signs are related to the organ affected.

Signs of gastrointestinal disease (Haemorrhagic Enteritis) include diarrhea, anorexia, melena and . Anaemia and dehydration may develop secondary to this haemorrhagic enteritis. Signs of reproductive disease (Egg Drop Syndrome) include low egg production/hatching and the laying of abnormal eggs (size, shape, colour, texture). Adenovirus infection may infect other organs, causing a splenitis, inclusion body hepatitis, bronchitis, pulmonary congestion ventriculitis, pancreatitis, or oedema, depending on the species of bird infected.

...
Wikipedia