| Summary |
For monitoring the prevalence of egg drop syndrome (EDS) occurred in laying ducks and breeder geese in Taiwan, a serological survey scheme using hemagglutination-inhibition test was carried out during October 1988-March 1999. The results of the survey indicated that the EDS antibody prevalence in laying ducks was 49.4% (180/364), and in breeder geese, 9.8% (38/387). The data can be inferred that the EDS can infect the laying ducks and breeder geese, and may transmit among these commercial waterfowl herds. The serological prevalence of EDS in laying ducks was significantly different from that of breeder geese by chi-square test (p < 0.01). During the survey, some laying duck herds were also observed clinically the decreased egg production and rough egg shell. We suppose that further research should be done to clarify the pathogenicity of this disease and its economic impact on egg production of waterfowls. In general, the distributions of EDS-76 antibodies in laying ducks and breeding geese will be analysed by HI method.
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