Laboratory confirmed outbreaks of duck virus enteritis (duck plague) in the United Kingdom from 1977 to 1982

From 1977 to 1983 the Central Veterinary Laboratory, Weybridge confirmed 19 outbreaks of duck virus enteritis in the United Kingdom. All the outbreaks involved collections of captive waterfowl and there were no reported cases in commercial ducks. In many instances the disease was associated with contact with migrating waterfowl, particularly male mallards (Anas platyrhynchos). Muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata) and related species appeared to be particularly susceptible. The most sensitive system for isolating the virus was muscovy duck embryo tissue cultures. The duckling inoculation test was found to be the most reliable method of confirming the disease.