Infectious Bronchitis Virus
Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV) is a highly contagious virus that primarily affects chickens, leading to respiratory disease. It is a member of the Coronaviridae family and can cause significant economic losses in poultry production due to decreased egg production and increased mortality rates.
The virus spreads easily through respiratory droplets, contaminated equipment, and feed. Vaccination is a common preventive measure, but the virus can mutate, making it challenging to control outbreaks. Effective biosecurity practices are essential to minimize the risk of infection in poultry flocks.