A serological survey of domestic poultry in the United Kingdom for antibody to chicken anaemia agent.
A serological survey for antibody to chicken anaemia agent (CAA) was carried out by indirect immunofluorescence. Antibody to CAA was widespread in broiler breeders and in parent and commercial layers in the UK. Antibody to CAA was also detected in five of 11 specific pathogen-free (SPF) chicken flocks tested; positive flocks included those being used for vaccine production or as commercial suppliers of SPF eggs. No antibody to CAA was detected in turkey or duck sera. A longitudinal survey of two broiler breeder flocks showed that maternal antibody to CAA persisted until about 3 weeks of age. Both flocks began to seroconvert to CAA at 8 to 9 weeks and the majority of birds had antibody at 18 to 24 weeks.