Gumboro disease : Problems of control in Nigeria

Summary : The control of Gumboro disease in Nigeria presents a com­ plex problem because of its becoming highly endemic and ubiquitous. Usual methods of sanitation and hygiene are of no avail due to the resistant nature of the virus, hence the only effective means left is con­ trol by vaccination. Since a virulent vaccines do not elicit a satisfactory immune response in the presence of maternal antibody it is imperative to repeat such vaccines frequently or to develop and use stronger but non-immunosuppressive live as well as inactivated oil-emulsion vacci­ nes for booster purposes. If chicks could be protected successfully for the first few weeks of life at least the economic returns will be guaran­ teed.