Haemorrhagic Nephritis Enteritis (HNEG) is caused by infection with haemorrhagic polyomavirus (GHPV) and is one of the major diseases of geese in Europe. Young geese (four to 10 weeks old) are susceptible to infection, and both horizontal and vertical transmission of GHPV has been confirmed. Infections result in significant gosling losses, with reports of up to 80% mortality. The most frequent pathological changes; haemorrhagic enteritis and inflammation of the kidneys give the disease its name. Additionally, oedema of subcutaneous tissues and visceral gout has been observed. Although it has been shown that GHPV infects Muscovy and mule ducks, these do not present with clinical symptoms, but can serve as reservoirs of infection for other species, including geese. There are no effective treatments for HNEG, however, data suggest that vaccination of breeders confers maternal immunity to goslings and that vaccination of day old goslings may prevent disease. In addition, reducing stress levels in these animals may prevent progression of HNEG.
