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Avian Encephalomyelitis (AE)

A viral infection of the central nervous system of poultry

Avian encephalomyelitis affects all poultry, typically one- to three-weeks old as well as adults in lay. The disease is spread through contaminated feces and fomites; its incubation period is 1 – 7 days.

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  • Symptoms

    Signs of infection include trembling of the head, birds down on their sides, ataxia and dull eyes. Chicks will usually display drowsiness, lack of coordination, unsteady gait, and mortality of 5 – 10%. In adults, cataracts and a drop in egg production may occur.

  • Prevention

    The best way to help prevent this virus is to vaccinate breeders between 9 – 15 weeks. Vaccinations are typically long-lasting.1

  • References

    1  Schwartz LD. Poultry Health Handbook. 4th ed. University Park, Pennsylvania: The Pennsylvania State University’s College of Agricultural Sciences, 1994;81-82.

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