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Since 2021, a novel strain of goose reovirus (GRV) has emerged within the goose farming industry in Guangdong province, China. This particular viral variant is distinguished by the presence of white necrotic foci primarily localized in the liver and spleen, leading to substantial economic losses for the poultry industry. However, the etiology, prevalence and genomic characteristics of the causative agent have not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, we conducted an epidemiological inquiry employing suspected GRV samples collected from May 2021 to September 2022. The macroscopic pathological and histopathological lesions associated with GRV-infected clinical specimens were examined. Moreover, we successfully isolated the GRV strain and elucidated the complete genome sequence of the isolate GD21/88. Through phylogenetic and recombination analysis, we unveiled that the GRV strains represent a novel variant resulting from multiple reassortment events. Specifically, the μNS, λC, and σNS genes of GRV were found to have originated from chicken reovirus, while the σA gene of GRV exhibited a higher degree of similarity with a novel duck reovirus. The remaining genes of GRV were traced back to Muscovy duck reovirus. Collectively, our findings underscore the significance of GRV as a pathogenic agent impacting the goose farming industry. The insights gleaned from this study contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the epidemiology of GRV in Southern China and shed light on the genetic reassortment events exhibited by the virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Avian infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is a prevalent RNA virus that causes respiratory distress, nephritis, salpingitis, and egg production decline in chickens, resulting in significant economic loss. IBV is composed of complex genotypes and serotypes, which poses a great challenge for disease control. The current study reports 2 IBV outbreaks which were characterized by respiratory symptoms in IBV vaccinated commercial broilers and layers in Guangdong, China, in 2021. Two IBV strains, ZH01 and HH09, were identified via a RT-PCR assay through targeting the N gene and further characterization through full-length spike (S) gene sequence analysis. Phylogenetic analysis of S1 gene revealed that both ZH01 and HH09 belonged to the GI-19 lineage but contained a certain genetic distance from the GI-19 strain. Of note, the ZH01 and HH09 strains share a low homology of 70 and 86%, respectively, with common vaccine strains (H120), resulting in low vaccine protection. Further recombination analysis based on the S1 sequence suggested the newly identified IBV strains emerged through an intragroup recombination events between CK/CH/SCDY2003-2 and I0305/19 from G1-19 lineage. In addition, a number of novel mutations such as T273I, T292A, and S331K were found in the emerging IBV strains. Taken together, this study reports the genetic characteristics of 2 recent IBV outbreaks in southern China and emphasizes the urgent need for enhanced surveillance and development of novel vaccines for the control of IBV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the dietary intake of human essential elements of local residents in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, China, using a Total Diet Study (TDS). The levels of eight human essential elements, Na, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu, in a total of 243 food samples collected in January 2011, were determined. Na, Mg, K, and Ca were the major elements, and their concentrations were approximately 2–3 orders of magnitude higher than those of other metals, which are trace elements in the human body. For the eight elements, the total dietary metal intake of Shenzhen residents was 2840 (Na), 2110 (K), 173 (Mg), 391 (Ca), 7.28 (Fe), 2.09 (Mn), 7.47 (Zn), and 1.11 (Cu) mg/d. The dietary intake of Na exceeded the reference values, whereas the Ca intake was insufficient. The dietary intake of the other six elements conformed to the recommended doses. Because excess Na and insufficient Ca could cause adverse effects, a low sodium diet and Ca supplementation were recommended for local residents of Shenzhen to reduce the incidence of chronic diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]