Duck hepatitis A virus (DHAV): Pathogenesis, diagnosis, prevention, and control in duck production systems
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Duck hepatitis A virus (DHAV) causes duck viral hepatitis (DVH), an acute viral disease that affects young ducks and is marked by rapid and severe liver damage as well as high mortality. This disease spreads quickly within a population and mostly affects ducks younger than 3 weeks of age. DHAV is a non-enveloped, positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the Picornaviridae family that causes widespread hepatic necrosis due to its strong hepatocyte tropism. The fecal-oral route is the main method of transmission, and contaminated habitats, drinking water, feed, and fomites are the sources of infection. Clinically, DVH is peracute, with few symptoms before death, which frequently makes field detection challenging. Degeneration, congestion, and widespread hepatocellular necrosis are common pathological liver alterations. A combination of clinical observation, pathological lesion evaluation, and molecular confirmation, such as reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), is used to make the diagnosis. Since no specific antiviral treatment is currently available, management concentrates on control and supportive measures such as immunization, biosecurity, and appropriate husbandry practices. To provide initial protection by maternal antibody transmission, vaccination of the duck is essential. DVH has a substantial economic impact due to greater mortality, decreased productivity, and higher disease control expenses. Therefore, efforts to prevent and control this disease in duck production systems require a thorough understanding of its characteristics.
Source: Open Veterinary Journal
Authors: Harimurti Nuradji, Aswin Rafif Khairullah, Ni Luh Putu Indi Dharmayanti, Agus Wiyono, Susan Maphilindawati Noor, Muharam Saepulloh, Rahmat Setya Adji, Fitrine Ekawasti, Ima Fauziah, Sri Suryatmiati Prihandani, Diana Nurjanah, Muhammad Khaliim Jati Kusala, Eny Martindah, Sutiastuti Wahyuwardani, Arundhina Girishanta, Ririn Setyowati, Helmi Helmi, Nguyen Huu Vu
Language: English
Subfield: Animal Science and Zoology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $350
OpenAlex ID: W7205708698