A Manual for Important Viral Diseases Affecting Ratites

Ratites can be classified into four orders and five families. The most common species of ratites are ostriches, emus, rheas, kiwis, and cassowaries. Ratites are differing from other avian species being flightless and have unique physiological and anatomical features. Ratites especially ostriches are raised all over the world for meat production with unique characters as well as for high-quality leathers and feathers. Ratites are susceptible to several viral, bacterial, mycotic and parasitic infectious diseases as well as non-infectious nutritional disorders. These diseases harm the impact of the ratites industry all over the world. The book handles with the most important viral diseases affecting ratites concerning epidemiology, pathology, diagnosis as well as prevention and control. The book is recommended for post-graduate, graduate and under-graduate students that concern with this aspect. It is also very useful for veterinarians and owners of ratite birds especially ostriches. Owners of ratites can use this book as a guide manual for the most important viral problems that they can face in the field and pose a threat to humans.