Avian leucosis is a cancerous viral disease of poultry caused by Avian leucosis virus and characterized by tumorous growth of blood cells in liver, spleen, lungs, ovary, kidneys and other visceral organs.
- Disease occurs sporadically in adult birds also known as big liver disease.
- Virus has reverse transcriptase enzyme.
- Transmitted vertically from hen to chicks through eggs and horizontally through direct and indirect contact.
- It is a malignancy of the bursa-dependent lymphoid system.
- Metastatic foci in other visceral organs.
- Characteristic symptoms are pale comb, enlarged abdomen, profuse haemorrhage from feather follicles and boot like appearance of shank.
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