Gumboro Disease – overview
Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD), or Gumboro Disease, is a viral disease affecting young chicken’s. The disease has a worldwide prevalence. The target organ of the virus is the Bursa of Fabricius, an important organ in the young chickens developing immune system.
The economic impact of an Infectious Bursal Disease Virus (IBDV) infection is twofold:
- Direct mortality that can reach levels in excess of 40%, and
- Secondary infections, due to a suboptimal immune system, having a negative impact on production efficiency.
The negative effects of IBDV can be successfully controlled by vaccination and implementing sound biosecurity prinicples.
Peer Reviewed by Dr J J (Sjaak) de Wit and William Baxendale.