Major Viral Diseases of Waterfowl and Their Control By Prof. Dr. Vilmos Palya Director of Scientific Support and Investigation Laboratory Ceva-Phylaxia Veterinary Biologicals Co., Budapest

Although chickens and turkeys comprise the majority of poultry species seen by the veterinary practitioner, occasionally we also encounter waterfowl such as ducks and geese. Feature that is unique to waterfowl is that their environment usually involves the presence of man-made or natural bodies of water, and this may enhance the co-mingling of free-living waterfowl species with the domestic flock and ultimately, promote disease transmission. Additionally, environmental conditions may also influence disease manifestation in domestic waterfowl. There are many diseases that can affect waterfowl species. The infectious diseases described here are the most common viral diseases seen in domestic waterfowl species. It seems likely that viral diseases will assume greater future importance as causes of disease in waterfowl. Greater attention needs to be given to the study of this source of disease.