Avian lymphoid leukosis in 63 weeks old layers – Case report

Although avian leucosis has been eradicated in some countries, it is still associated with economic losses due to decreased productivity, morbidity and immunosuppressive dependent diseases in other countries. Clinical and necropsy examination on dead Isa Brown layers followed by the histopathology of neoplastic tissue samples from the carcasses were conducted. Aggregations of lymphoblastic cells were consistently observed in the liver, lungs and spleen. Though the gross neoplastic lesions presented a picture of acute Marek’s disease, age differentiation, necropsy pattern, absence of pleomorphism in the lymphoid cells and the aggregation of lymphoblastic cells, a diagnosis of lymphoid leucosis in the flock was made. The disease may not be common; however, it could be prevalent in the area hence control measures need be taken into consideration if productivity is to be optimized.