Abstract

The avian reoviruse (AVR) induces various manifestations in chickens. They are associated with disease conditions including malabsorption syndrome and tenosynovitis. RT-PCR is a rapid, sensitive and specific diagnostic test for ARV detection and avoiding economic losses. Five broiler poultry farms in Behera province with reovirus like symptoms were screened for ARV. Results revealed the successful identification of one ARV isolate. the pathogenicity of the obtained isolate was assessed by experimental infection of 7-day-old commercial chicks and results revealed various post-mortem lesions in the liver, pancreas liver, and proventiculus. The serological follow up of maternally derived antibodies against ARV in the negative control group revealed that the ELISA antibody titers were declined till becoming negative (ELISA titers less than 395) at 21 day old. Meanwhile, the experimentally infected group showed a significant increase in the ELISA antibody titers following infection. Our results confirm the continuous circulation of ARV in the Egyptian field as well as raise the concern toward ARV and its incrimination in retarded growth rate and arthritis among chicken flocks that consequently have great drawbacks on the poultry industry in Egypt.

Key words: Avian reovirus, RT-PCR, pathogenicity, Egypt