Incidence and Control Measures of Gumboro Disease in a Native Chicken Farm: A Field Study

Abstract

The present investigation was undertaken to characterize and confirm an outbreak of Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD, Gumboro disease) in a native chicken farm housing 800 Aseel birds and to assess the clinical outcome following therapeutic and biosecurity interventions. The outbreak occurred on a native chicken farm in Periyakanganagkuppam village, Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu, India. Affected birds were subjected to detailed clinical observation and necropsy examinations were performed to record gross pathological lesions. Laboratory confirmation of IBD was achieved using counter-immunoelectrophoresis (CIEP). Supportive treatment consisted of broad-spectrum antibiotics (Cephalexin), liver tonics and strict farm-level biosecurity practices, including disinfection with phenolic compounds. Daily monitoring of clinical progress and mortality patterns revealed that the outbreak was characterized by acute onset of anorexia, depression, ruffled feathers, watery diarrhoea and high mortality rates. Post-mortem examination revealed pathognomonic lesions, including petechial and ecchymotic haemorrhages in the breast and thigh muscles and swollen, haemorrhagic bursa of Fabricius. Laboratory results confirmed the diagnosis of IBD. Following therapeutic and managemental interventions, a progressive decline in mortality was observed, with marked clinical recovery by the fifth day of treatment. The investigation confirmed IBD as the cause of mortality in the affected flock and demonstrated that prompt therapeutic management combined with stringent biosecurity measures effectively mitigated economic losses. These findings underscore the importance of timely vaccination, strict hygiene protocols and rapid disease confirmation as critical components in the prevention and control of IBD outbreaks in native poultry production systems.