Study of mortality in young chickens by chicken infectious anaemia virus (CIAV) in Nagpur region

In the present investigation 30 poultry flocks suspected for chicken infectious anaemia (CIA) from central India were studied. Out of 30 flocks, 26 were confirmed to be positive for presence of VP1 gene of CIAV in bone marrow, thymus and bursa. Mortality was ranging from 10% to 93% in these birds and incidence was found to be higher in cockerels as compared to broilers. CIA positive cases showed pale comb and wattle with poor body condition. Thymus, bursa and spleen showed atrophy, bone marrow was gelatinous and pale. Liver, kidney and other visceral organs were found pale. Haematological investigation revealed reduction in TEC, Hb and PCV values indicating anaemia in CIA affected birds. Values of ALT, AST and creatinine were found increased indicating damage to visceral organs. Heterophilia with lymphopenia was prominent observation in all the affected birds. Microscopically there was severe depletion of lymphocyte from thymus, bursa and spleen. Reticular hyperplasia was prominent in these organs. Bone marrow revealed depletion of haemopoitic cells and parenchyma was replaced by adipose tissue. Above study confirms the presence of CIAV in and around Nagpur of the central India. Therefore extensive molecular epidemiological studies are required at national level to assess the prevalence of disease.