Experimental reproduction of the egg drop syndrome 1976 with a haemagglutinating adenovirus

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The experimental reproduction of an egg drop syndrome is described. Experimental oral infection of fowl with a haemagglutinating adenovirus resulted in the production of shell‐less, soft‐shelled and thin‐shelled eggs in association with loss of egg shell colour and were similar to those changes seen in the egg drop syndrome 1976 (EDS 76). The first changes observed were 7 days post‐inoculation when loss of egg shell pigmentation occurred. Colour patterns did not return to normal until 25 days post‐inoculation. Thinning of egg shells was first seen 1 day after the loss of pigmentation and by 9 days post‐inoculation soft‐shelled and shell‐less eggs were laid. From 13–16 days post‐inoculation between 25 and 40% of eggs laid were either shell‐less, soft‐shelled or very thin‐shelled. The majority of birds were laying normal eggs by 24 days post‐inoculation. In spite of the marked egg shell changes the overall daily egg production remained at approximately 80% during the 17‐week experimental period.