Appearance of avian encephalomyelitis in Senegal

Abstract

Avian encephalomyelitis cases have been detected in chicks (future laying hens) in November 1997. It was the first time that the disease was diagnosed in Senegal. Typical lesions of the disease were revealed during the histological diagnosis and confirmed its presence. Vaccination against encephalomyelitis was not mandatory and some hatcheries did not vaccinate their breeding animals. The presence of the disease seems to require from now on a mandatory vaccination of all breeding animals in Senegal. In addition, there is the problem of vaccinating pullets, i.e. future laying hens. Actually, the egg drop syndrome is currently affecting the country, and the laboratory must first differentiate between encephalomyelitis, Newcastle disease and infectious bronchitis before making precise recommendations. In this respect, the ELISA technique will have to be used.