An outbreak of Marek's disease in chickens in central Ethiopia

A study was conducted on an outbreak of Marek's disease in a commercial poultry farm containing 8500 chickens in central Ethiopia. On repeated visits, farm and flock history was collected, sick birds were examined and clinical signs and daily mortality were recorded. A total of 80 (27 sick and 53 dead) birds 12-22 weeks old, were collected, autopsied and examined. The mortality rate was 46% for the first 14 weeks of the outbreak. Acute and chronic (classical) forms of the disease, the respective occurrence of which varied significantly (p<0.01) in young (14.6% vs 85.4%) and adults (48.7% vs 51.3%) were manifested. All the autopsied birds had gross and microscopic lesions indicative of Marek's disease in the peripheral nerve(s) and/or visceral organs. Lesions involving peripheral nerves and visceral lymphomas were recorded mainly in adults (28/35, 80%) and young birds (34/45, 75%), respectively. These differences in the two age groups were statistically significant (p<0.01). Young birds seem to be highly susceptible to the acute disease. Poor management, overstocking and lack of vaccination might have favoured the outbreak. Marek's disease causes considerable economic loss and is a major threat to poultry production in Ethiopia. This report emphasizes that Marek's disease should be considered as a disease of economic significance in chicken production in Ethiopia and warrants due attention.