Viral Gumboro Disease in Poultry, This is What Veterinary Immunology Expert of SKHB IPB University Says
Prof I Wayan Teguh Wibawan, IPB University lecturer from the School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Science (SKHB) also highlighted the viral Gumboro disease that attacks chickens and can pose a serious threat to the poultry industry. He explained that the disease is also known as Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD) because it attacks lymphoid cells, especially in the bursa fabricius and peyer leaf organs.
“Gumboro disease is caused by the IBD virus, which has high resistance and is not easily killed by various types of disinfectants,” said Prof I Wayan.
Prof I Wayan explained that the clinical and pathological symptoms of this disease usually appear in chickens aged 19-35 days. He continued, chickens under 19 days old usually experience subclinical infection.
“Why is that? This is because IBD is an immune disease caused by type III hypersensitivity reaction, also known as “arthus reaction,” said Prof I Wayan.
Furthermore, the Professor in Veterinary Immunology explained the mechanism of this disease. The IBD virus will cause the formation of an antigen-antibody (Ag-Ab) complex, which if not successfully destroyed (clearance) by macrophages, then this Ag-Ab complex will be trapped in the intertwining of arteriolar blood vessels that make up the renal glomerulus. This complex activates the complement system (C) in stages, starting from C1, C2, C4, C3, to C789. Cells that are attached to the complex will experience lysis (holes). Each stage of complement activation has its own biological activity, such as attracting inflammatory cells to the site of infection.
“Before it was known as IBD, the disease was called ‘avian nephrosis’ because it causes damage to the kidneys of chickens. Infected chickens will appear weak, dehydrated, and there are clumps of uric acid in the feces or in the cloaca,” explained Prof I Wayan.
The IPB University lecturer added that IBD can be observed through clinical signs and inflammation. Acute IBD infection shows bleeding and inflammation in the bursa fabricius, as well as bleeding in skeletal muscles such as the chest and thigh muscles. This emphasizes how serious the impact of this disease is on chicken health.
Prof I Wayan suggested that the first action when chickens are infected with Gumboro disease is to ensure that the chickens are still willing to eat. Infected chickens can also be given sorbitol or sugar that is easily absorbed by the intestines. In addition, certain disinfectants such as chloramine or chlordioxide can be added for kidney irrigation given through drinking water.
Prof I Wayan emphasized the importance of strict prevention and control measures to protect chickens from IBD. Although the virus is highly resistant to disinfectants, a comprehensive biosecurity approach and effective vaccination are key in preventing the spread of the disease.
“Gumboro disease is a real threat to the poultry industry, mainly because of its high resistance and serious impact on the chicken’s immune system,” said Prof I Wayan.
He emphasized that in-depth research and understanding of the disease is essential to develop effective prevention strategies. Preventing the spread of this disease indirectly supports the poultry industry in maintaining national food security as a provider of animal protein sources. With awareness and appropriate actions, it is hoped that the spread of this disease can be suppressed, so that the health and sustainable productivity of poultry can be well maintained. (kms) (IAAS/Hap)
