Lesions in Young Chickens Induced by Lymphoid Leukosis Virus

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Abstract
Three trials were done in which uninfected and RIF (resistance inducing factor)-infected birds were examined at intervals from the 2nd through the 10th weeks postinocula-tion. Infection with each of 3 RIF-isolates was accomplished by intra-abdominal inoculation at 1 day of age. Although clinical signs were not observed, leukotic lesions occurred in several organs. In the heart, tiny epicardial nodules were seen at 2 weeks and were present until at least 8 weeks postinoculation. Enlarged and mottled spleens were ob served from the 3rd through the 10th weeks but were most prevalent at 4 or 4 1/2 weeks. Testes from birds examined at 3, 4, or 4 1/2 weeks, but not at 2, 6, or 10 weeks, were not enlarged but had leukotic areas. Microscopic reactions (increased lymphoid foci) occurred in many visceral organs and in the dorsal root ganglia. Nerve plexuses were not affected. Some of these lesions could be confused with those induced by Marek''s disease agent.