Abstract

An incident alike to egg-drop syndrome (EDS) occurred in commercial egg laying chickens in Gazipur district,
Bangladesh from July to November 2005. The chickens showed decreased egg production along with production of
shell less and soft shelled eggs when they were at predicted peak production age. Nutritional status, especially crude
protein (16.65-18.50%) and calcium (2.15-3.62%) content of the supplied feed was within the range. Virological and
serological investigations on causes of decreased egg production and production of soft-shelled and shell less egg by the
laying hens revealed that the responsible causative agent is EDS virus. Total seven EDS viruses were isolated from
cloacal swab (4), soft-shelled eggs (2) and feces (1). The isolation rate 71.43% (5/7) was higher in second passage than
in first passage 28.57% (2/7) in duck embryos. None of the 7 viruses grew in chicken embryo even after second passage.
All five flocks tested, were vaccinated against infectious bronchitis and Newcastle disease along with other common
vaccines generally used in Bangladesh but not against EDS. Serological investigation revealed that birds in all tested
farms (100%) had antibody against EDS virus (in 2 farms in 100% samples and in 3 farms in 80% samples). The source
of the virus remained to be determined. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of EDS outbreak in
Bangladesh. To save poultry industry in Bangladesh from harm of this disease the biosecurity measures should be
strictly followed along with vaccination against the disease.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.