The early pathogenesis of turkey herpesvirus infection in chickens and turkeys

The early responses of chickens and turkeys to infection with two strains of turkey herpesvirus (FC 126 and a recent field isolate, T-5A) were compared. All birds had similar virus rescue patterns from the spleen, regardless of virus strain used for infection. Productive-restrictive infections as indicated by the presence of viral antigens were found only in the spleens of infected turkeys. Viral antigens were not found in bursa or thymus but were found intermittently and at low levels in the skin. Small focal accumulations of lymphocytic cells were found in the nerves of all groups of birds 7 and 14 days postinoculation.