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A small round virus associated with enteritis in turkey poults
Y M Saif1, L J Saif, C L Hofacre
1Food Animal Health Research Program, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, Wooster 44691.
Avian Diseases
|July 1, 1990
Summary
A novel small round virus was identified in turkey poults suffering from enteric disease. This virus was proven to be transmissible and pathogenic in experimental settings.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Poult Enteric Disease
- Microbiology
Background:
- Enteric diseases in turkey poults pose significant economic challenges to the poultry industry.
- Multiple enteric pathogens can co-infect birds, complicating diagnosis and treatment.
- The etiology of some enteric outbreaks remains unclear, necessitating further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the causative agents involved in a natural outbreak of enteric disease in turkey poults.
- To experimentally determine the pathogenicity and transmissibility of a newly detected small round virus.
Main Methods:
- Detection of viral agents in gut contents from naturally infected turkey poults using molecular and microscopic techniques.
- Experimental inoculation of specific-pathogen-free (SPF) turkey poults with the isolated small round virus.
- Clinical observation and pathological examination of experimentally infected poults.
Main Results:
- Salmonella, group D rotavirus, astrovirus, and a small (18-24 nm) round virus were identified in naturally infected poults.
- The pathogenic potential of Salmonella, rotavirus, and astrovirus is well-established.
- Experimental infection demonstrated that the small round virus is transmissible and causes disease in SPF turkey poults.
Conclusions:
- A small round virus, previously of unrecognized pathogenic potential, is a significant contributor to enteric disease in turkey poults.
- This finding expands the known viral agents affecting poultry health.
- Further research into the epidemiology and control of this small round virus is warranted.