ARS | Publication request: Detection, isolation and characterization of turkey-origin rotaviruses present in commercial flocks in the United States

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: December 3, 2007
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: Poultry enteric syndromes such as poult enteritis complex (PEC) are widespread in the United States. Analysis of intestinal contents from flocks showing signs of enteric disease often reveals infections with numerous suspect viruses. The complex nature of these infections makes laboratory diagnosis and field management of affected flocks difficult. Recently, turkey intestinal samples received from different regions of the United States have tested positive via RT-PCR for avian rotavirus, avian astroviruses and avian reovirus. Certain avian astrovirus types are ubiquitous in commercial turkeys, and the turkey-origin reoviruses do not appear to be a major factor in syndromes such as PEC. This study presents a phylogenetic analysis of rotaviruses detected in commercial turkey flocks, and relates these findings to descriptions of enteric signs submitted from the field. The isolation of turkey origin rotaviruses from field samples is ongoing, and should prove useful in determining their role in poultry enteric syndromes.