Hemorrhagic Enteritis In Turkeys
A commercial ELISA kit for Hemorrhagic Enteritis is now
available to turkey clients of ADDL. Under the direction of
Donna Schrader, Diagnostic Assistant, convalescent sera is
measured for antibody levels. Hemorrhagic Enteritis in turkeys
may manifest itself as an acute episode of frank hemorrhage
throughout the intestine but, most of the time, it is subtle,
weakening the immune system and allowing secondary E. coli
to become prominent. Rarely is a flock not exposed to the
virus but, when a flock reaches processing with ceca distended
with "axle grease" contents, the degree of carcass
contamination rises sharply. For processing and disease reasons,
most producers want to alleviate problems with HE with a vaccination
program. Most vaccinate at 4.5 to 5.5 weeks of age, using
a mild vaccine. By taking 10-20 sera before vaccination and
10-20 sera two weeks following vaccine administration, the
ELISA results give an excellent comparison to equip management
with the tools to measure flock readiness.
-by Dr. Tom Bryan, Avian Diagnostician,
Heeke ADDL |
