839 - Immunosuppressive viral diseases in poultry

This Action focused on Infectious Bursal Diseases (IBDV) and Chicken Anaemia (CAV), two important viral diseases in poultry production.

An evaluation of the economic impact of these viral diseases on the poultry industry in the participating countries was performed but complicated by the multifaceted nature of the infection and by lack of tools, for example, serology can not differentiate between infected and healthy (vaccinated) flocks.

Recommendations and guidelines concerning vaccines were developed for the European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products (EMEA) in London. These recommendations were key factors in the recent update and changes of the monographs of IBDV and CAV.

The scientists participating in this Action produced a handbook with state-of-the-art knowledge and recommendations for future research and current practices, providing guidelines for the Office International de Epizooties-Paris (OIE) and the EU.

The network resulted in standardisation of tools and nomenclature. One of the results is an annual ring trial for serological tests with 96 laboratories participating. In addition, one ring test on bursal lesions scoring was completed in all the participating countries in the Action.
Attention was paid to the transfer of knowledge and technology, especially to the poultry industry. A total 14 companies participated in this Action.