Lateral transmission of egg drop syndrome-76 virus by the egg.

Experiments were carried out to determine if eggs produced by infected hens could be involved in the lateral spread of EDS virus. It was demonstrated that birds which ate the abnormally shelled eggs produced 8 to 17 days after experimental infection with EDS virus, or normally shelled eggs produced 8 to 15 days after infection, became infected with the virus. Laying hens which ate abnormally shelled eggs from a naturally occurring case of EDS subsequently developed the disease. Whilst it is probable that surface contamination of the egg was important, it was demonstrated that virus was present in the contents of eggs laid 11 to 20 days after infection. It is concluded that the infected egg may be important in the lateral spread of EDS virus, and that attention should be given to the risk from re-used egg trays.