Incidence of egg drop syndrome - 1976 in Namakkal district, Tamil Nadu, India

Aim: To know the magnitude of influence by Egg Drop Syndrome - 1976 (EDS -'76) virus infection in causing drop in egg production in and around Namakkal. Materials and Methods: A total of 150 cloacal swabs and 15 pouch shell glands (uteri) homogenates from 15 poultry farms in and around Namakkal area were used for virus isolation. Three numbers of 10 - day- old embryonated duck eggs were used for the inoculation of each suspected material for virus isolation. The isolate was identified by HA property, by specific inhibition of HA and by AGPT using hyperimmune serum raised against reference EDS -'76 virus strain 127. Results: Out of samples from 15 farms only one isolate (6.6%) was obtained from poultry farm No. 5. Conclusion: The results of the present study revealed that the EDS -'76 virus influence in causing drop in egg production in this area to be minimal.