Right Under Your Nose: Symptoms of Infectious Bursal Disease You Can’t Afford to Miss

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 17:25:08 +0000

Right Under Your Nose: Essential Symptoms of Infectious Bursal Disease You Can’t Afford to Miss Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD), also known as Gumboro Disease, is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects young poultry, particularly chickens. While often overlooked in routine flock management, this disease strikes fast and can cause significant losses if ignored. Spotting the warning signs early is crucial—so learn the key symptoms of Infectious Bursal Disease you must watch for to protect your flock and avoid devastating outbreaks. ### What Is Infectious Bursal Disease? Infectious Bursal Disease is caused by an adenovirus that targets the bursa of Fabricius, a vital immune organ in birds. This infection weakens the bird’s ability to fight off secondary infections, leaving them vulnerable to bacterial diseases like colibacillosis and E. coli. While it predominantly affects chicks aged 3 to 8 weeks, adult birds exposed to the virus can also show mild symptoms—making awareness essential for all poultry keepers.