Reovirus in Chickens

A double-stranded RNA virus resistant to inactivation, commonly infecting birds.

An infectious agent that primarily infects birds.

Inflammation of joints caused by reovirus, often causing lameness and stunting in young birds.

A syndrome where reovirus affects nutrient absorption, leading to poor growth and skeletal abnormalities.

Reovirus remains infectious for extended periods in contaminated environments and resists many disinfectants.

Heavy breeds of chickens may be more prone to reovirus-related tendon inflammation due to their rapid growth and less-strong leg tendons.

Inflammation in the tendons, potentially caused by reovirus, reduces the tendons' strength and can result in lameness and stunting.

Reovirus infection can cause a malabsorption syndrome, leading to poor growth and skeletal abnormalities.

A poultry disease causing inflammation in joints, most prevalent in males.

A poultry disease affecting nutrient absorption, primarily seen in young chicks.

A poultry disease resulting in weakened bones.

A poultry disease causing death of the bone tissue in the upper femurs.

Inflammation of the tendons and synovial sheaths in poultry.

A temporary reduction in the immune system's ability to fight off infection, caused by certain types of reoviruses.

Numerous reovirus types that exist, but aren't currently categorized into distinct groups based on serology (distinguishable by immune response).

The ability of different reovirus strains to cause disease in poultry, ranging from low to high.

Heavy breeds of poultry may be more susceptible to reovirus infections due to immune response delays.

An illness affecting broiler chickens, causing reduced weight, poor feed conversion, and decreased flock uniformity, impacting economic viability.

The cause of RSS is complex and likely involves multiple pathogens, including viruses (like reovirus, adenovirus, enterovirus, etc.), bacteria, and other factors.

Birds huddle, peck at walls, eat less, have small, curled feathers, pale legs and beaks, and exhibit brittle bones.

Mortality may or may not be significantly affected. Often, affected birds, while not dying, do not recover, peaking around 11 days post placement.

Symptoms can vary, but typically affect birds early in life. Monitoring for reduced weight gain, uniformity issues, and abnormal feather growth is crucial.

Affected birds may show rickets and broken legs (brittle bone disease), small livers, and enlarged gall bladders on necropsy.

Affected birds show enlarged intestines (with fluids, poorly digested feed), inflamed proventriculi (stomachs), and interrupted jejunum growth. Droppings are loose, vents soiled, and litter damp.

The pancreas degenerates in diseased birds, reducing digestive enzyme production.

Early intervention is key. Prevention focuses on biosecurity, poultry house management, and vaccination, targeting young birds (11 days old).

Reduce exposure and slow spread by controlling visitors, managing mortality disposal, and limiting vermin.

Provide a stress-free environment; clean and disinfect before new arrivals, allow downtime; remove litter if birds affected.

RSS often appears and disappears suddenly, making control difficult. Symptoms and mortality peak around 11 days post-exposure.

Litter can transmit RSS. Removal of litter is essential during an outbreak.

Supplemental vitamins and minerals improve chick immunity and ability to handle RSS.

Using vinegar or other acidifiers in water may help reduce the spread of the disease.

Remove dead birds swiftly; cull severely affected birds to limit spread.