Mon, 04 May 2026 05:00:20 +0000

From Sudden Swelling to Lethargy—Infectious Bursal Disease Reveals Its Hyperreal Warning Signs In poultry farming, early detection can mean the difference between survival and devastating loss. One of the fastest-acting and deadliest threats to young birds is Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD), a highly contagious viral infection that strikes the immune system with alarming speed. While sudden swelling of the bursa – the primary immune organ – is the most recognizable sign, subtle watermark indicators often precede visible symptoms, offering critical early warning signs. Understanding these hyperreal, subtle signals can help poultry keepers and veterinarians act swiftly to contain outbreaks and protect entire flocks. ### What Is Infectious Bursal Disease? Infectious Bursal Disease, also known as Gumboro Disease, is caused by a birnavirus that specifically targets and destroys the bursal of Fabricius—the essential lymphoid organ responsible for B-cell development in birds. When this crucial component of the immune system fails, birds become vulnerable to secondary infections, with symptoms progressing from acute swelling to severe lethargy and death, particularly in chick populations under 6 weeks of age.