Avian Encephalomyelitis (AE)

Avian encephalomyelitis (AE) is a viral infection primarily affecting young birds. The disease is characterized by a variety of neurological signs, including incoordination, ataxia and tremors of the head and neck. An assessment of immune status, as well as serologic identification of AE, requires a measurement of antibody to AE in serum. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) have proven efficacious in the quantification of antibody levels to AE, and facilitate the monitoring of immune status in large flocks.