An improved method for extracting cell-free herpesviruses of Marek's disease and turkeys from infected cell cultures

Sonic extraction of cell-free Marek's disease herpesvirus (MDHV) and turkey herpesvirus (HVT) from infected cell cultures was improved by incorporating sorbitol in the suspending media. Yields of cell-free virus of virulent MDHV were significantly increased with 10% sorbitol added to SPGA-EDTA buffer. Avirulent strains of MDHV and HVT were respectively readily extracted with SPGA-EDTA and SPGA as the suspending medium, and extraction of their cell-free viruses was moderately improved by adding sorbitol to the suspending medium.