Lymphoproliferative Disease Virus (LPDV) in NY Turkeys

[Jennifer]

http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/scientists-tumor-causing-virus-widespread-wild-turkeys-28324797

 

http://www.outdoorlife.com/blogs/strut-zone/2013/04/turkey-virus-alert-new-york-and-maine-older article, but has a photo showing the outward signs. It has since been confirmed in NY.

 

http://www.earthisland.org/journal/index.php/elist/eListRead/a_new_virus_is_attacking_us_wild_turkey_populations/- Also older, but has a much more through understanding of the virus.

 

In a nutshell, wild turkey populations in NY state, and likely many other states, are carrying this virus.

I study similar retroviruses in domestic chickens and can confirm that based on my knowledge, and the research out there on LPDV, that it is an easily transmittable virus that remains in latency (dormancy, if you will) and only produces symptoms in individuals that for whatever reason are either genetically weak or have a reduced immunity to the virus. The virus does not often cause mortality in these individuals, but instead causes a weakened immune system, which is an open door for other problems to move in (ailments that an otherwise healthy turkey would have no problem fighting off). As an RNA virus, once a bird 'catches' it, the virus copies itself and remains in the birds system forevermore, and periodically causes shedding of the virus, causing either horizontal transmission (bird to bird) and/or vertical (parent passes it on to the chick through the egg... vertical transmission is somewhat more rare). So, a large number of birds may be infected but may not show signs and may live full, healthy and otherwise normal lives.

 

If you take a turkey with outward signs, it could be LPDV or pox (neither is contagious to humans) and the DEC is interested in testing so you may want to notify them.

 

I'm mostly posting this here so folks know about it and know what it might be, if they see it.

[Pygmy]

Very interesting..Thanks for sharing the info, Jennifer...

 

Lymphoproliferative...Trying saying THAT three times fast...LOL..