3.2 Screening of samples by PCR
Out of 120 MD suspected tissue samples investigated from 13 flocks, 17 samples from 5 flocks were found to be MD positive by Meq gene specific PCR and histopathology. The age of the flocks during MD outbreak ranged from 14-65 weeks. The outbreak occurred in seven colored broiler breeder, six Aseel – (native chicken) breeder parent, three White Leghorn layer breeder and one Vanaraja, backyard dual purpose variety.