THE ROLE OF PNEUMOVIRUS IN SWOLLEN HEAD SYNDROME OF CHICKENS - REVIEW

A pneumovirus is known to be the primary causative agent of turkey rhi notracheitis (TRT) and appears to be associated with swollen head synd rome (SHS), egg production losses and respiratory diseases complex in chickens. The infection in chicken causes high economic losses by incr easing mortality, increasing medication costs, dropping in egg product ion, reduction of egg shell quality, and decreasing hatchability. This paper reviews the literature related to SHS aetiology, mode of transm ission, clinical signs, pathology, immune reaction, and diagnosis in c hickens. Furthermore this review summarizes the literature available o n vaccination in broiler and breeder flocks (meat and layer types).