Poultry Respiratory Viruses Quiz

Respiratory Viruses in Poultry

• Several viruses target the chicken respiratory tract: infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), Newcastle disease virus (NDV), infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV), avian influenza virus (AIV), and pneumovirus.
• Secondary invaders include adenovirus and reovirus.
• Infectious bronchitis virus, Newcastle disease virus, and avian influenza virus affect multiple body systems.
• Live and inactivated vaccines are used to control these viruses.

Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV)

• IBV, notably its serotypes, is a significant poultry virus.
• The Massachusetts (Mass) strain is the main prototype.
• New variants have emerged, notably in Australia (nephropathogenicity) and Japan (tissues beyond the respiratory tract).
• Other countries (Hungary, Italy) have also reported nephrotropic strains.
• A new vaccine using strain 4/91 (serotype 793B) is now approved in Europe.
• Molecular techniques reveal more variations, demanding research on vaccine effectiveness for new strains..

Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV)

• NDV has various strains, including lentogenic (often found in vaccinated broiler flocks).
• Lentogenic strains are more prevalent during respiratory outbreaks, which are common during colder months and less common in summer.
• Velogenic strains, a more severe form, haven't been detected in the US for over 20 years, but other countries still experience them.
• Outbreaks were reported in many regions in 1996.
• Vaccination uses low-reactivity live vaccines (like B1 and LaSota)

Infectious Laryngotracheitis (ILTV)

• ILTV is impacting broiler flocks more now, previously impacting layer and breeders more.
• Vaccine success is limited, particularly with administration methods.
• New vaccine development is crucial (particularly in Japan and the University of Georgia)

Avian Pneumovirus Infection (and Related conditions)

• This impacts both chickens and turkeys (turkey rhinotracheitis/TRT, swollen head syndrome).
• Broiler breeders are more severely affected (infraorbital sinus swelling, torticollis).
• Diagnosis is conducted via virus isolation and antibody detection (e.g., neutralization and ELISA tests).
• Vaccines aid in managing the disease, leading to better respiratory control and production.

Avian Influenza Virus (AIV)

• AIV causes sporadic outbreaks.
• Highly pathogenic form is easily identified because of high mortality and typical symptoms.
• Low pathogenic strains can evolve into highly pathogenic ones. Controlling measures include eradication or vaccination to reduce the multiplication.

Test your knowledge on respiratory viruses affecting poultry, including infectious bronchitis virus, Newcastle disease virus, and avian influenza virus. Explore their impacts, vaccine strategies, and emerging variants. This quiz covers essential aspects of poultry health management.