Egg Drop Syndrome, caused by adenovirus 127, has been diagnosed in Indiana and Pennsylvania and in all probability has affected flocks in other Midwest states.

The infection is difficult to diagnose, but the advent of a real-time PCR assay will facilitate diagnosis in flocks that demonstrate an acute asymptomatic drop in egg production with or without changes in the appearance of shells. The PCR assay can detect viral nucleic acid in samples from the uterine shell gland, kidney, spleen, and liver.  It is suggested that avian health professionals should contact the Ohio ADDL for instructions on packing and shipping specimens at (614) 728 6220.