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Isolation of infectious bursal disease virus from the lesser mealworm, Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer)
J C McAllister1, C D Steelman, L A Newberry
1Department of Entomology, Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville 72701.
Abstract:
Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) was isolated from adult lesser mealworms, Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer), up to 14 d after exposure, but isolation of the virus was erratic over this period of time. The virus was undetected after 24 h in beetle larvae. Virus was isolated from the adult beetle's mouth parts, foregut, midgut, hindgut, and blood 24 h after they fed on feed inoculated with IBDV. Ten days after exposure, virus was isolated from the foregut but not the blood, mouth parts, or remaining digestive tract of the adult beetles. The adult lesser mealworm is capable of serving as a reservoir for IBDV, rather than a fomite, between broiler growouts.
Insights
The lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus) can carry infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) for up to 14 days, acting as a reservoir. This finding is crucial for managing IBDV transmission between broiler flocks.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Entomology
- Poultry Health
Background:
- Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) poses a significant threat to poultry health.
- The lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus) is a common insect found in poultry houses and its role in IBDV transmission requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if lesser mealworms can harbor and transmit IBDV.
- To investigate the duration and distribution of IBDV within lesser mealworms after exposure.
Main Methods:
- Adult lesser mealworms were exposed to IBDV-infected feed.
- Virus isolation attempts were performed on various beetle tissues (mouth parts, digestive tract, blood) and larvae at different time points post-exposure (24 hours, 10 days, 14 days).
Main Results:
- IBDV was isolated from adult mealworms up to 14 days post-exposure, though erratically.
- The virus was undetectable in larvae after 24 hours.
- At 24 hours, IBDV was found in adult mouth parts, foregut, midgut, hindgut, and blood.
- By 10 days, IBDV was isolated only from the foregut of adult beetles.
Conclusions:
- Adult lesser mealworms can act as a reservoir for IBDV, potentially facilitating virus transmission between broiler growout cycles.
- The mealworm's digestive tract, particularly the foregut, plays a role in maintaining the virus.
- Larvae are unlikely to serve as a significant reservoir for IBDV.