Systematic Veterinary Virology

TRANSMISSION

• The affected birds shed the virus in respiratory secretion and faeces. The virus spreads rapidly among chickens in a flock through inhalation of virus droplets (coughing or sneezing) produced by infected chickens.  Infection is also transmitted by aerosols, contaminated feed and water, contact with animals or material.
• Movement of live birds is considered as a potential source for the introduction of IBV. Affected birds recover within fourteen days. However, a small number of chicks may become latently infected with erratic shedding of virus for a prolonged period of time via both faeces and aerosol. There is no carrier state and vertical transmission. No vectors are also involved in the spread of infection.