When is the risk of Egg Drop Syndrome '76 (EDS) transmission highest in multi-age brown layer flocks, and when do clinical signs peak?

Egg Drop Syndrome '76, caused by a duck adenovirus, is a major economic threat that primarily targets high-producing brown layers. Transmission risk is highest when contaminated egg trays, vaccinating crews, or mechanical equipment are shared between multi-age layer sheds on the same farm. While the virus can remain latent in replacement pullets, clinical signs peak during the period of maximum egg mass output—typically between 26 and 32 weeks of age. The disease presents as a sudden, unexplained 20% to 40% drop in egg yield lasting 4 to 10 weeks, accompanied by a massive increase in pale, thin-shelled, shell-less, or soft-shelled eggs. Managing EDS relies heavily on high-standard biosecurity and pre-lay vaccination. EDS diagnostic criteria are covered in the Poultry Encyclopedia, premium bio-disinfectants and veterinary sanitation supplies are sold on Poultry Plaza, daily mandi egg prices are tracked on Poultry Rates, and certified disease-free layer flocks are traded on Murghi Mandi.