Six outbreaks of duck viral enteritis resulting in high mortality in duck farms (Muscovy and balady breeds) were diagnosed during 2002-2004 in Gharbia governorate. On necropsy, gross lesions included petechial hemorrhages on the epicardium of the heart and other visceral organs, multifocal to coalescing areas of fibrinonecrotic material over the mucosal surface of the intestine and esophagus, hemorrhagic appearance of the intestinal annular brands and numerous pinpoint necrotic foci on the liver and spleen. Moreover, hemorrhagic enteritis and catarrhal proventriculitis were pronounced. Histopathologically, focal areas of hemorrhage and necrosis were detected in the intestinal mucosa, proventriculus, liver, spleen and kidney. Necrosis and lymphoid depletion of the lymphoid tissue of spleen and intestine indicating the immunosuppressive effects of the DVE were observed. Eosinophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies characteristic of herpesvirus were seen in the hepatocytes, lymphocytes and epithelial cells of the esophagus. In addition, intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies were also present in the epithelial cells of the esophagus. The present report documents that this unique morphologic manifestation is important in pathological diagnosis of duck virus enteritis. |
