Which avian disease affects the respiratory system?

Avian influenza is a viral infection that primarily affects birds, particularly domestic poultry, and significantly impacts their respiratory system. The disease is caused by various strains of influenza virus, which can cause a range of symptoms, from mild respiratory signs to severe illness and high mortality rates in affected flocks. The respiratory signs may include coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, and difficulty breathing, making it an important disease to recognize and control in avian medicine.

Chronic wasting disease, on the other hand, is a prion disease that affects deer and elk, primarily causing neurological symptoms. Equine herpes virus-1 primarily impacts horses and can cause respiratory illness, but it’s not directly related to avian species. Equine infectious anemia affects horses as well and does not impact the respiratory system. Thus, among these options, avian influenza is the clear choice due to its specific association with respiratory distress in birds.