Infectious Bronchitis Virus Types Affecting European Countries-A Review

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Virology
• Poultry Disease Management

Background:

• Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) has been a significant respiratory pathogen in the European poultry industry since the 1940s.
• While vaccines (live attenuated and inactivated) have improved poultry health, they have not eradicated IBV infections.
• The continuous emergence of new IBV variants (serotypes/genotypes) is the primary reason for the persistent problem.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the most prevalent infectious bronchitis virus genotypes in Europe over recent decades.
• To identify the origins of these prevalent IBV genotypes, distinguishing between local European types and those originating elsewhere.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific publications and surveillance data.
• Analysis of reported IBV genotypes circulating in European poultry populations.
• Genotyping and phylogenetic analysis of IBV strains.

Main Results:

• Several IBV genotypes have predominated in Europe in recent decades.
• Some identified genotypes appear to be indigenous to Europe.
• Other prevalent genotypes have been traced to origins outside of Europe.

Conclusions:

• The emergence of novel IBV genotypes poses an ongoing challenge to poultry health in Europe.
• Understanding the origin and prevalence of IBV genotypes is crucial for effective disease control and vaccine development.
• Continued monitoring of IBV genetic diversity is essential for the European poultry industry.