Detection of chicken anemia virus DNA in the thymus of naturally infected chicks in Turkey

In this study, 94 clinically ill 11-28-day-old chicks belonging to eight br oiler units from the Marmara region were investigated clinically for change s in hematocrit values and for the presence of chicken anemia virus (CAV) D NA. CAV DNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction in the thymus of 8.5% of the chicks. These chicks showed clinical signs of diarrhea, anorexia, d epression, and growth retardation. The hematocrit values of these chicks we re between 24% and 38%. At necropsy, hemorrhages were observed in the leg a nd pectoral muscles. Atrophy was noted in the thymus and in the bursa of Fa bricius of positive chicks, and hemorrhages in the proventriculus of one po sitive chick were observed. This report describes the first detection of CA V DNA in chicks in Turkey.