مرغیوں کا فالج، بڑی وجہ ویکسین کی ناکامی، بیماری پر قابو کیسے پایا جائے، بہترین تحقیق پیش کی گئی، ایوارڈ سے نوازا گیا

Dr. Khushbakhat Shahnawar presented an award winning research. This research was on Marek’s Disease in Poultry. (مرغیوں کا فالج). She got first position at Poultry Science Conference. This conference was the part of International Poultry Expo 2023. She emphasized on Marek’s Disease Vaccine failure in poultry. She pointed it as the common cause of the disease. Besides this, she also discussed Marek’s Disease symptoms. She also discussed Marek’s Disease diagnosis and  Control. She also highlighted Marek’s Disease Prevention and other aspects.

پولٹری فارمنگ میں آرٹیفیشل انٹیلی جینس کا کردار، بدرالنساء کو ایوارڈ سے نوازا گیا

Dr. Khushbakhat is the student of Dr. Muhammad Kashif Saleemi. Dr. Saleemi is Associate Professor at University of Agriculture Faisalabad. He belongs to Department of Pathology of Faculty of Veterinary Science.

Marek’s Disease Symptoms

Dr. Khushbakhat said Marek’s disease is caused by a virus. This virus attacks the nerves as well as the internal organs of birds. This disease leads to loss of production, and even death of birds. Ultimately it causes economic losses.

She said, although, small chicks do not show symptoms usually, but in older birds there are visible symptoms. These symptoms include leg paralysis, lameness and other problems. The legs of the birds become paralyzed. Birds are unable to walk.

پولٹری ایکسپو کے موقع پر پولٹری سائنس کانفرنس کا انعقاد

Other Marek’s Disease symptoms include, weight loss and loss of appetite. These also include dull skin color and enlarged abdomen. Tumors in internal organs are also seen. There are also blindness and various neurological problems in Marek’s Disease symptoms.

Strains of Virus

Dr. Khushbakhat further said, she conducted research on molecular detection and pathology of this disease in Faisalabad region. In this study, both the vaccinal strain and the wild strain were identified by PCR.

Besides other outcomes, the research also revealed that the vaccinal strain is more common in winter and summer. On the other hand, wild strain is more common in spring and autumn.

Marek’s Disease Diagnosis

For diagnosis, PCR, histopathology and virus isolation are the options. In case of vaccine failure, farmers should contact laboratory in time.

Lab will use modern diagnostic equipment to detect strain. This will help to find information about the virus.

Marek’s Disease Control

Dr. Khushbakhat said the main reason for the spread of the virus of this disease is the dust particles and feathers of the wings of birds. They transfer the virus from one place to another through the air. Mixing of infected birds with healthy birds also leads to transmission. Farmers should take steps for Marek’s Disease Prevention.

نگران وزیر لائیوسٹاک پنجاب کی پولٹری سٹیک ہولڈرز سے ملاقات

It is, therefore, important to strictly control the transfer of Marek’s Disease. This can occur through workers, equipment, utensils, feed, waste and other sources. However, there is need to take strict steps to ensure bio security.

She added that the common reason for the disease is Marek’s Disease Vaccine failure in poultry. However, the most important way of Marek’s Disease Prevention is vaccination. Therefore, it is important to be careful in this regard.

Farmers should select the best vaccine. Besides this, they should consult veterinary doctor for vaccine selection.

In addition to this, farmers should also care for the cold chain and storage of the vaccine. Furthermore, farmers should also get cold chain history of the vaccine.

The most important factor is vaccination at the recommended time for Marek’s Disease Prevention

Reasons for Marek’s Disease Vaccine Failure in Poultry

Dr. Khushbakhat said it is very important to vaccinate the chicks on the first day. Then give a booster dose based on the type of Marek’s Disease vaccine. Vaccination at wrong time is also the cause of Marek’s Disease vaccine failure in poultry.

Furthermore, state of disease or stress can also cause problems. Therefore, management should also care for the health of birds at the time of vaccination. The most important reason is related to cold chain of Marek’s Disease vaccine

Marek’s Disease Prevention

Regarding Marek’s Disease prevention, she also suggested. She said that management should keep the shed clean and dry. Besides this, farmer should also avoid overcrowding. Because of more birds in less space, birds face stress. In addition to this farmers should thoroughly clean and disinfect the house before new flock.

She further said that birds should be provided quality and balanced feed. Overall management issues should also be improved. Along with this, farmers should ensure the monitoring of flock.

If the bird has difficulty in walking or showing lameness, farmers should contact dotor immediately. On the other hand, affected birds should be separated.

Furthermore, sheds and equipment should be cleaned with recommended disinfectants, before new chicks are placed, after disease attack.

About Dr. Khushbakht Shanawar

Dr. Khushbakhat Shahnawar belongs to Jaranwala where she passed matriculation from a government school.

After FSC from a private college, she got admission in DVM at the UAF. She also completed her MPhil in Pathology. Her MPhil was under guidance of Dr. Kashif at UAF.

She has the interest is in the diagnosis of poultry diseases at molecular level.

Editor In Chief

Dr. Jassar Aftab is a qualified Veterinarian having expertise in veterinary communication. He is a renowned veterinary Journalist of Pakistan. He is veterinary columnist, veterinary writer and veterinary analyst. He is the author of three books. He has written a number of articles and columns on different topics related to livestock, dairy, poultry, wildlife, fisheries, food security and different aspects of animal sciences and veterinary education.

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