Infectious Bursal Disease (Gumboro) in Poultry: Symptoms, Prevention and Treatment

What Is Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD)?

 
 
Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD), also known as Gumboro disease, is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the Birnavirus. It primarily affects young chickens by damaging the bursa of Fabricius, a key organ in the immune system. The virus can survive for months in poultry houses and several weeks in contaminated water, feed, and feces, posing serious risks to flock health.
 

Why Is Gumboro Disease a Threat?

 
While birds under 3 weeks of age may experience subclinical infection, older chicks aged 3–6 weeks often show severe symptoms. Even asymptomatic infections can lead to immunosuppression, increasing susceptibility to secondary bacterial and viral diseases.
 

Gumboro Disease Symptoms in Chickens

 
 
Sudden onset of disease within 2–3 days post-infection
Weakness, depression, ruffled feathers, and loss of appetite
Uncoordinated walking and greenish-white watery diarrhea
Pecking at the cloaca and pasted vent due to irritation
High morbidity rate (up to 100%) with mortality peaking on day 3 and subsiding after 5–7 days
Death rates are generally low but can reach 30% or higher under poor biosecurity conditions
 

Pathological Lesions of IBD

 
Muscle hemorrhages: Especially on breast and thigh muscles
Hemorrhages at the junction of the proventriculus and gizzard
Swollen spleen with pinpoint grey spots
Intestinal mucosal inflammation and excessive fluid secretion
Bursa of Fabricius lesions (most characteristic):
Day 3: Enlarged, red, and edematous bursa, gelatinous surface, may be hemorrhagic
Day 4: Bursa doubles in size and weight
Day 5: Begins shrinking
Day 8: Atrophied to one-third of its original size
 

Gumboro Vaccination and Biosecurity in Poultry

Vaccination Protocols (IBD Vaccine in Poultry)

 
First dose: Eye drop or oral Gumboro vaccine at 7 days of age
Second dose: Re-vaccination at 21 days
Third dose (breeders): Inactivated oil emulsion vaccine injected at 3 months (0.3–0.5 ml per bird)
Breeder flock vaccination is essential to ensure passive immunity in newly hatched chicks
 

Hanvet KTG Antibody: Passive Immunity Against Gumboro

 
Hanvet KTG is an effective passive immunization solution against Gumboro, Newcastle, and Infectious Bronchitis:
 
Administer 1–2 ml per chick at 1 day of age via injection or double the dose orally
Repeat every 10–14 days for continuous protection
Especially suitable for broiler chickens, reducing or eliminating the need for live vaccines
Additional benefit: stimulates growth, improves feather quality, and overall health
 

Treatment Options for Gumboro Disease

Hanvet KTG Antibody Therapy

 
Dosage: 1–2 ml per bird, once daily for 2–3 days
Neutralizes Gumboro virus within 3–4 hours after injection
Supportive Care
 
Oral administration of Hanvet Anti-Gumboro + Electrolytes for 2–4 days
Maintain strict biosecurity and sanitation to minimize environmental contamination
With appropriate therapy, the treatment success rate exceeds 90%.