BACKGROUND INFORMATION
In May 2003 Duck Virus Enteritis (DVE) was diagnosed in a duck flock in SE Minnesota. DVE is a contagious herpes virus infection of ducks, geese and swans. The disease is also known as Duck Plague. DVE can be transmitted by direct contact between infected and susceptible birds or indirectly by contact with a contaminated environment. Water appears to be the natural means of virus transmission in waterfowl. There is no specific treatment for infection of DVE.
CLINICAL SIGNS OF DVE
- In domestic breeder ducks, sudden, high, persistent flock mortality is often the first signs of the disease. Mature ducks die in good flesh. Prolapse of the penis may be evident in dead mature males.
- In laying flocks, a marked drop in egg production may be observed during the highest morality period.
- As DVE progresses within a flock, more signs are observed. These include photophobia, lack of appetite, extreme thirst, nasal discharge, soiled vents and watery diarrhea.
- Affected ducks are usually unable to stand. They tend to maintain a posture with drooping outstretched wings and dead down. Sick ducks forced to move may have tremors of the head, neck and body.
- Young ducklings 2-7 weeks of age show dehydration, loss of weight, blue beaks, conjuctivitis (eye infection), nasal discharge and often a blood stained vent.
SOURCES OF INFORMATION
Duck Plague (Duck Virus Enteritis) (National Wildlife Health Center, USGS)
Duck Virus Enteritis (Michigan Department of Natural Resources)
Waterfowl Diseases: Duck Virus Enteritis (The Domestic Waterfowl Club of Great Britain)
Cornell University Duck Research Laboratory - source of DVE vaccine
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