Avian adenoviruses: effect on egg production, shell quality, and feed consumption

Four avian adenovirus isolants (Indiana C, DPI-2, IBH-2, and B-3)were examined for pathogenicity in laying birds. None affected shell quality, and only one (IBH-2) had even a minimal effect on egg production (faster decline). Of three isolants tested (Indiana C, DPI-2, and IBH-2), only IBH-2 caused feed intake to be reduced. No other clinical signs were observed during these experiments. Egg transmission, virus excretion, and antibody production were found to mimic patterns reported for serotype-1 avian adenoviruses.