BAU researchers identify IBH virus serotypes in broiler

BAU Correspondent :

Researchers at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) have, for the first time in the country, identified two dangerous serotypes (8b and 11) of the Fowl Adenovirus responsible for causing Inclusion Body Hepatitis (IBH) in broiler chickens.

The study was led by Professor Dr. Md. Alimul Islam, also Vice-Chancellor of Sylhet Agricultural University, along with his research team from BAU’s Department of Microbiology and Hygiene.

Funded by BAS-USDA, the research used molecular techniques to isolate and analyze the virus from affected broilers, a disease that has been causing significant mortality in young chickens since 2018.

The virus primarily attacks commercial broilers between 3 and 6 weeks of age, severely impacting poultry farmers across the country. The findings were recently published in the international journal Frontiers in Microbiology.

IBH is an emerging disease caused by Fowl Adenovirus, which has multiple serotypes and genotypes, with serotypes 8b and 11 being the most severe.

The infection leads to symptoms such as weakness, reduced feeding, diarrhea, and high mortality rates within a few weeks.

Postmortem findings reveal damage to vital organs like the gizzard, liver, kidneys, and heart, often resulting in heavy losses for farmers before the birds reach market weight.