DVE in North Carolina

[Sfraker]

Saw this posted on a local waterfowl rescue Facebook site and thought I would share.

We have had several ducks brought to us some from Charlotte area and a few from the Asheville area that were carrying Duck Viral Enteritis (DVE) This is a devastating disease of waterfowl that has no treatment and no cure, its 100% fatal. Once symptoms start its too late and the only way to manage it is through vaccination. We are seeing an increase in cases of DVE in North Carolina in the past year or so and have a lot of experience dealing with it. We are licensed to import the vaccine and would like assist people who would like to vaccinate their flocks. If you are interested contact us for details - email [email protected]

 

[Speceider]

Not sure it is true, but I am surprised no one has responded. I would be very concerned if I lived in the mid-Atlantic Region. Practice extreme biosecurity....I would not accept any birds except from a trusted source, and be sure to quarantine for 30 days....otherwise tourism all your waterfowl.

Clint

 

[LucyArredondo]

What are the symptoms??

 

[Sfraker]

A herpesvirus infection of ducks and geese diagnosed in the UK in 1972, mostly in ornamental collections, in USA since 1967, also the Netherlands and other countries.

All waterfowl are susceptible and the Barbary duck is more susceptible than the Pekin. The disease follows a very acute course with a morbidity of 5-100% and mortality of 5-100%. Transmission is by infected birds, fomites and arthropods. Recovered birds may carry the virus for a year.

Signs

Sudden deaths.
Rapidly spreading disease.
Drop egg production.
Photophobia.
Ataxia.
Closed eyes.
Thirst.
Severe diarrhoea, sometimes dysentery.
Dehydration.
Paresis.
Tremor.
Occasionally penile prolapse in the penis in drakes.
Occasionally cyanosis of the bill in the young.
Post-mortem lesions

Severe enteritis.
Crusty plaques from oesophagus to bursa (covered by yellowish plaques in later stages).
Haemorrhage in intestine, body cavities, heart, pericardium, liver, spleen.
Young ducks may show thymic and bursal lesions.
Diagnosis

Isolation: Duck CAMs 12 day embryos die in 4 days, HA-, intranuclear inclusions Differentiate from Duck hepatitis, oesophagitis (birds on restricted feed), vent gleet, pasteurellosis, coccidiosis.

Treatment

None, but vaccination in face of outbreak is of value, probably through interference.

Prevention

Isolation from waterfowl, vaccination if approved by authorities (CE adapted live virus).