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Avian reoviruses (ARVs) can infect a variety of species worldwide. Birds can present stunting syndrome, respiratory and/or enteric diseases, immunosuppression, malabsorption, viral arthritis/tenosynovitis, and even secondary infections by other microorganisms. Flaws in conventional vaccines and the increase in the diagnostic rate of disease in the last 5 yr suggest the emergence of pathogenic ARVs in the poultry flocks worldwide. This study aimed to characterize birds lesions and to detect/genotype ARVs from a severe outbreak of tenosynovitis in broiler poultry flocks from Brazil. Tissue samples of lesions on pelvic limbs of broiler chicken were collected in poultry flocks with a high condemnation rate of carcasses due to lesions and submitted to histological and molecular analysis. Major gross pathological lesions included marked swelling, edema, and hemorrhages. Serous exudate was present between the tendons and hock joint. Histological examination demonstrated necrosis and inflammation of muscle fibers, mixed inflammatory infiltrate was observed in subcutaneous tissue and tendon sheaths. ARVs RNA was detected in 5 samples tested by polymerase chain reaction. These samples were also genotyped and demonstrated the occurrence of strains of the ARVs lineages II and V in the flocks. These results suggest that theses field ARVs, genetically distant from previously characterized strains, are associated to tenosynovitis and present in commercial Brazilian poultry flocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chicken astrovirus (CAstV) is one of many viruses related to enteric diseases in poultry that are associated with Runting-Stunting Syndrome (RSS), which affects young chickens. CAstV was also recently associated with an unusual condition in chicks called "white chicks." Some hatcheries in certain states of Brazil have reported several incubation problems, mortality, and the presence of chicks with white plumages over the past several months. These chicks were termed locally as "white chicks." The present work investigated 30 chicks with this unusual condition using a multidisciplinary approach. Postmortem examination of each chick showed enlarged livers and intestines that were full of liquid and gas (30/30). The pancreas, kidneys, and spleen were pale (30/30). The other organs did not show any macroscopic alterations. CAstV, chicken parvovirus (ChPV), avian nephritis virus (ANV), avian rotavirus (ARtV), avian reovirus (AReoV), infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), and fowl adenovirus group I (FAdV-1) were tested in the intestines, pancreas, proventriculus, gizzard, liver, spleen, bursa, kidneys, thymus, lung, heart, brain, and yolk sac in each chick. All organs and yolk sacs were positive for CAstV in different titres and negative for the other tested viruses. The partial molecular characterization of the ORF 1b gene of CAstV using 28 sequences revealed a high similarity of the nucleotides and amino acids with sequences of CAstV from North America, Europe, and Asia, and our CAstV sequences clustered into a unique group that was separate from the other sequences. These results demonstrated that CAstV was associated with the white chick condition in Brazil. The virus was distributed in most organs, including the brain and yolk sac. These results suggest that the virus could be transmitted vertically. The molecular characterization also revealed that the CAstV associated with white chick condition was molecularly related to other CAstV sequences found worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to determine if enteric viruses are the cause of diarrhea in broiler flocks in Jordan. Intestinal content samples were collected from 101 broiler flocks from several regions of Jordan to detect the presence of astrovirus, coronavirus, reovirus, and rotavirus, by using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Forty-six of these flocks were clinically healthy with no enteric disease, and the other 55 flocks were clinically suffering from diarrhea. The samples were collected between 5 and 16 d of age. The results show that 79% of total 101 flocks tested were infected with one or more of the above enteric viruses. Coronavirus was the most common virus, detected in 56.4% of these flocks, with astrovirus in 29.7% of the flocks, and rotavirus (9.9%) and reovirus (5.6%) being the least common. None of these flocks were found to be infected with all four viruses, but one of the flocks was found to be infected with astrovirus, coronavirus, and rotavirus simultaneously. Individual infection was noted with astrovirus, coronavirus and rotavirus but not with reovirus, whereas all flocks infected with reovirus were also infected with coronavirus. There was no statistical evidence to link these viruses as the main cause of diarrhea in the flocks tested. This is the first study in Jordan to detect all of these viruses and to correlate their presence with diarrhea in chicken flocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, respiratory viral pathogens were screened using real-time RT-PCR in 86 broiler chicken flocks suffering from respiratory diseases problems in 4 Egyptian governorates between January 2012 and February 2014. The mortality rates in the investigated flocks ranged from 1 to 47%. Results showed that mixed infection represented 66.3% of the examined flocks. Mixed infectious bronchitis (IBV) and avian influenza (AI)-H9N2 viruses were the most common infection (41.7%). Lack of AI-H9N2 vaccination and high rates of mixed infections in which AI-H9N2 is involved indicate an early AI-H9N2 infection with a potential immunosuppressive effect that predisposes for other viral infections. High pathogenic AI-H5N1 and virulent Newcastle disease virus (vNDV) infections were also detected (26.7% and 8.1%, respectively). Interestingly, co-infection of AI-H9N2 with either AIV-H5N1 or vNDV rarely resulted in high mortality. Partial cell-mediated immunity against similar internal AI genes, as well as virus interference between AI and vNDV, could be an explanation for this. Highly prevalent IBV and AI-H9N2 were isolated and were molecularly characterized based on S1 gene hypervariable region 3 (HVR3) and hemagglutinin gene (HA) sequences, respectively. IBV strains were related to the variant group of IBV with multiple mutations in HVR3. Though AI-H9N2 viruses showed low rate of evolution in comparison to recent strains, few amino acid substitutions indicative of antibody selection pressure were observed in the HA gene. In conclusion, mixed viral infections, especially with IBV and AIH9N2 viruses, are the predominant etiology of respiratory disease problems in broiler chickens in Egypt. Further investigations of the role of AI, IBV, and ND viruses' co-infections and interference in terms of altering the severity of clinical signs and lesions and/or generating novel reassortants within each virus are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Avian Diseases is the property of American Association of Avian Pathologists, Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The northern fowl mite (NFM), Ornithonyssus sylviarum, is the most common ectoparasite of laying hens in North America. Infestation can cause a reduction in egg production, egg weights, and feed conversion efficiency. However, there is a lack of information on the effects of NFM on hen physiology, physical condition, and egg quality. Singly caged beak-trimmed White Leghorn hens (N = 32) were infested with mites at 25 wk of age. The condition of each hen was assessed at wk 0 (infestation) and wk 5 and 7 post-infestation to determine comb temperatures and feather, skin, and comb condition. Heterophil-lymphocyte (H/L) ratios and body weight (BW) were evaluated at wk 0 and wk 1, 3, 5, and 7 post-infestation. Egg weight, egg specific gravity, yolk color, Haugh unit (HU), and eggshell thickness were determined prior to infestation (wk -1) and at 1, 3, 5, and 7 wk post-infestation. The H/L ratio (P < 0.0001), HU (P < 0.0001), and egg specific gravity (P = 0.001) were lowest, and the egg yolk color was lightest (P = 0.087) at wk 5, the peak of infestation. At wk 5 and 7, more than 65% of the hens had red skin and more than 75% had scabs on the vent; in addition more than 84% had grey-black vent feathers. There were no effects of infestation on comb color, comb temperature, feather cover, BW, or eggshell thickness. It was concluded that infestation with NFM has negative effects on interior egg quality and hen integument. A decrease in H/L ratio was also observed at the peak of infestation. However, the effects of NFM on the immune system are unclear, and H/L ratio might not be a good stress measure in hens highly infested with NFM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chicken serum has been suggested as a supplement to promote chicken cell proliferation and development. However, the molecular mechanisms by which chicken serum stimulates chicken cell proliferation remain unknown. Here, we evaluated the effects of chicken serum supplementation on chicken embryo fibroblast (CEF) and DF-1 cell proliferation. We also sought to elucidate the molecular pathways involved in mediating the effects of chicken serum on fibroblasts and DF-1 cells by overexpression of chicken 78 kDa glucose-regulated protein (chGRP78), which is important for cell growth and the prevention of apoptosis. Our data demonstrated that the addition of 5% chicken serum significantly enhanced fibroblast proliferation. Moreover, knockdown of chGRP78 using siRNA decreased fibroblast proliferation and increased apoptosis. Based on these results, we suggest that the chGRP78-mediated signaling pathway plays a critical role in chicken serum-stimulated fibroblast survival and antiapoptosis. Therefore, our findings have important implications for the maintenance of chicken fibroblast cells through the inhibition of apoptosis and may lead to the development of new treatments for avian disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background A flock of rare breed poultry was heavily infested with small white mites. Although apparently not harming the birds, the mites were identified in order to access data on veterinary/medical significance and to decide upon appropriate treatment. Objectives To determine the identity of the mites, assess their potential impact on the host birds and to apply a chemical treatment regime. Animals Twelve, 5-month-old Hamburg large fowl kept on a UK farm owned by the second author. They were housed together on shavings in an indoor pen with a grass outdoor run. All were hatched on the farm and never left it. Methods Mites were identified using taxonomic identification keys and morphological descriptions. Nine birds were treated topically with 0.25% fipronil at 8 mL/kg on one occasion, while three birds were separated and left untreated as a control. Results The infesting species was the feather mite Megninia ginglymura. Treated birds were mite-free after three weeks, whereas untreated ones were still heavily infested. Conclusions and clinical importance This is the first published report of such a heavy infestation of M. ginglymura in poultry in the UK and the first time topical fipronil has been used to eradicate these mites. The case is highlighted because, although asymptomatic in this instance, such infestations may be injurious to birds in different rearing regimes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tibial dyschondroplasia (TD) is an important long bone defect of broiler chickens that disturbs the proximal growth plate and is characterized by non-vascularized cartilage, a distended growth plate and lameness. Celastrol, a medicinal root extract from the plantTripterygium wilfordii, is reported widely as a well-known heat-shock protein 90 (Hsp90) inhibitor. Recently, Hsp90 inhibition in chondrocyte differentiation and growth-plate vascularization were effective in restoring the morphology of the growth plate. The present study was aimed at investigating Hsp90 inhibition in TD using celastrol. The broiler chicks were divided into three groups; Control; TD induced (40 mg/kg thiram) and celastrol treatment. Hsp90, vascular endothelial growth factor and Flk-1 expressions were evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and the protein levels of Hsp90 were measured by Western blot analysis. Antioxidant enzymes were determined to assess the liver damage caused by thiram and the protective effects of the medicine were evaluated by levels of serum biomarkers. The expression levels of Hsp90 and vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA transcripts were increased while Flk-1 receptor was decreased in TD-affected chicks. Celastrol therapy inhibited Hsp90 mRNA and protein levels and up-regulated the expressions of receptor Flk-1 in TD-affected tibial growth plates significantly (P < 0.05) in addition to rectifying the damaging effects of thiram on the liver by decreasing the levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and malondialdehyde and correcting the oxidative imbalance. In conclusion, administering celastrol to dyschondroplastic chicks prevented un-vascularized growth plate, lameness and reinstated angiogenesis. Celastrol may be efficacious for the treatment of TD through the inhibition of Hsp90 expression and limiting the liver damage caused by thiram in broiler chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Mycoplasma gallisepticum is the most important pathogenic avian Mycoplasma species and causes chronic respiratory disease in poultry. In addition, the prevalence of Mycoplasma synoviae is of increasing concern in several EU member states. We investigated the prevalence of M. gallisepticum in commercial poultry (5220 layers, 1224 broilers and 1020 meat turkeys), 56 racing pigeons and 890 wild birds (Order Anseriformes, Galliformes, Pelecaniformes, Accipitriformes, Gruiformes, Charadriiformes, Columbiformes, Strigiformes, Falconiformes and Passeriformes). Broilers and wild birds were also evaluated for Mycoplasma synoviae. Dependent on the bird lifespan and the nature of the sample, different diagnostic tests were used including the rapid plate agglutination test, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), polymerase chain reaction and real-time polymerase chain reaction. A low prevalence of M. gallisepticum was found in both layers (0.9%; 95% CI: 0.7–1.2%) and broilers (2.7%; 95% CI: 1.9–3.8%) possibly due to reduced vertical transmission by breeder farms, which are under official surveillance. None of the samples from turkeys or racing pigeons tested positive. In wild birds, we found five birds were positive (1.7%; 95% CI: 0.7–3.9%): one wood pigeon, two grey herons, one mallard and one Eurasian magpie. For M. synoviae a high prevalence was found in broilers (12.9%: 95% CI: 11.1–14.9%). Four samples collected by hunters gave a positive result for M. synoviae (4%: 95% CI: 1.6–9.8%): one carrion crow and three wood pigeons. In addition, 12 house sparrows were found to be positive (3%; 95% CI: 1.7–5.2%). Wild birds probably play a limited role as a reservoir but we cannot exclude a possible impact on transmission of Mycoplasmas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) causes colibacillosis in poultry, resulting in severe economic losses worldwide. Coliphages represent alternative antibacterial substitutes based on high lytic efficiency and few side-effects. However, the complete genome sequences information of APEC phages are limited, and knowledge of undesired genes and the narrow host range restrict their applications. In this study, we isolated a virulent phage QL01, with a relatively broad lytic spectrum (41 of 78 APEC strains). Transmission electron micrography showed it belonged to the family Myoviridae with an elongated head and a contractile tail. Whole genome sequencing revealed a linear double-stranded DNA (170,527 kb; GC content, 39.6%) with 275 possible ORFs. Comparative genome analysis revealed high homology between QL01 and other T4-like phages. However, it also showed some unique features, for example, ORF142 and ORF143, which encode IP9 and IP8, respectively, and may counteract host resistance only exist in a few T4-like phages such as IME08 and vB_EcoM_VR5. Furthermore, phage therapy in artificially infected ducks showed a 26.67% decrease in mortality compared with the untreated group. Our study indicates the potential antibacterial function of phage QL01 against APEC infections and highlights unique molecular features underlying the relatively broad host range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acid injury could prevent detection of Salmonella in feed and feed-type samples. A previous study showed that after incubation in commonly used pre-enrichment media, mixed feeds and feed ingredients reached a pH (4.0 to 5.0), capable of injuring or killing Salmonella. Approximately 105 colony forming units (CFU) of S. Enteritidis (SE), S. Heidelberg (SH), S. Kentucky (SK), or S. Typhimurium (ST) were individually placed into 50 mL of a citrate buffer at pH of 4, 4.5, or 5.0 for 6 or 24 h at 37°C. After holding at 37°C, each serotype was serially diluted in sterile physiological saline and plated onto xylose lysine tergitol 4 [for injury] and nutrient agar (NA) [for death]. These plates were enumerated and percent injury and/or death determined. The injury and death confirmed that pH 4.0 was detrimental to these Salmonella serotypes. After 24 h at pH 4.0, 60% or more of all 4 serotypes were killed with 100% of S. Kentucky killed. At pH 5.0, 65 to 75% of these organisms were uninjured, with death between 15 to 20%. Researchers testing feed/feed ingredients for Salmonella may not be aware of the acidic nature of the pre-enrichment step and the subsequent injury or death of any Salmonella present, whether healthy or stressed. Current protocols that are considered the "gold standard" may not be detecting Salmonella in samples containing fermentable substrates and extraneous microorganisms, which prevent the accurate detection of Salmonella. Injury or death of a few Salmonella cells could reduce the chance of recovery from any sample.More research is needed with additional Salmonella serotypes and strains to fully understand the challenges of isolating Salmonella from feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colibacillosis, an important disease of poultry caused by avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC), is responsible for great economic losses in the poultry industry around the world. The aims of the present study were to investigate the prevalence of the increased serum survival (iss) gene and to compare the clonal distribution and relatedness of the isolates among septicemic and cecal (commensal) E. coli isolates from poultry in Iran using a random amplified polymorphic DNA polymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR). A total of 97 (41 septicemic and 56 cecal isolates) were screened for the presence of the iss gene. Then, 66 isolates were randomly chosen for clonal comparison, including 44 iss-positive and 22 iss-negative isolates. The prevalence of the iss gene was 90.3% (37/41) in the septicemic and 64.3% (36/56) among cecal isolates, a significant difference (p = 0.004). The 66 isolates examined by RAPD-PCR were assigned to 4 main clusters, of which 2 were predominant (B and D, 65.6%). As 3 of the 4 clusters, including the 2 largest clusters, did not differ in the relative distribution of iss-positive isolates and as all 4 clusters did not differ in the source of isolates (tissue as compared to cecum), it appears that potentially pathogenic strains can be commonly distributed among the intestinal bacterial flora of birds. The fingerprinting analysis also yielded a high variety of RAPD profiles, indicating a substantial diversity among avian E. coli strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Avian Diseases is the property of American Association of Avian Pathologists, Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli is responsible for significant economic losses in the poultry industry by causing a range of systemic or localized diseases collectively termed colibacillosis. The virulence mechanisms of these strains that are pathogenic in poultry and possibly pathogenic in humans have not yet been fully elucidated. This work was developed to study if over-expressed genes in a microarray assay could be potentially involved in the pathogenicity of an Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli strain isolated from a swollen head syndrome case. For this study, five over-expressed genes were selected for the construction of null mutants [flgE (flagellar hook), tyrR (transcriptional regulator), potF (putrescine transporter), yehD (putative adhesin) and bfr (bacterioferritin)]. The constructed mutants were evaluated for their capacity for the adhesion and invasion of in vitro cultured cells, their motility capacity, and their pathogenic potential in one-day-old chickens compared with the wild-type strain (WT). The Δbfr strain showed a decreased adhesion capacity on avian fibroblasts compared with WT, in the presence and absence of alpha-D-mannopyranoside, and the ΔpotF strain showed decreased adhesion only in the absence of alpha-D-mannopyranoside. The ΔtyrR mutant had a reduced ability to invade Hep-2 cells. No mutant showed changes in invading CEC-32 cells. The mutants ΔflgE and ΔtyrR showed a decreased ability to survive in HD-11 cells. The motility of the mutant strains Δbfr, ΔyehD and ΔpotF was increased, while the ΔtyrR mutant showed reduction, and the ΔflgE became non-motile. No mutant strain caused the same mortality of the WT in one-day-old chickens, showing attenuation to different degrees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Campylobacter jejuni is recognized as a leading cause of acute bacterial gastroenteritis in humans. The over-use of antimicrobials in the human population and in animal husbandry has led to an increase in antimicrobial-resistant infections, particularly with fluoroquinolones and macrolides. The aim of the present study was to provide information of the current status of antimicrobial resistance patterns in Campylobacter jejuni from poultry sources. Fifty strains were recovered from broiler slaughterhouses in Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil, 2012. The strains were investigated for antimicrobial susceptibility against three agents (ciprofloxacin, nalidixic acid and erythromycin) by minimal inhibitory concentrations. The strains were analysed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism for detection of the Thr-86 mutation that confers resistance to ciprofloxacin. In addition, all the strains were tested for the presence of efflux systems (cmeB gene) conferring antimicrobial resistance. The minimum inhibitory concentrations results showed that 98% of isolates were sensitive to erythromycin and most isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin (94%) and nalidixic acid (90%). A complete correlation was observed between the minimum inhibitory concentrations and PCR-RFLP assay. Finally, the cmeB gene that is responsible for multidrug resistance was detected in 16 isolates out the 50 strains (32%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infectious laryngotracheitis is a highly contagious disease of chickens responsible for significant economic losses for the poultry industry worldwide. The disease is caused byGallid herpesvirus-1(GaHV-1) commonly known as the infectious laryngotracheitis virus. Although characterized by their potential to regain virulence, chicken embryo origin (CEO) vaccines are the most effective vaccines against laryngotracheitis as they significantly reduce the replication of challenge virus in the trachea and conjunctiva. Knowledge on the nature of protective immunity elicited by CEO vaccines is very limited. Therefore, elucidating the origin of the immune responses elicited by CEO vaccination is relevant for development of safer control strategies. In this study the transcription levels of key host immune genes (IFN-γ, IFN-β, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-18) and viral genes (ICP4, ICP27, UL46, UL49), as well as viral genome loads in trachea were quantified at 6 and 12 hours post-challenge of CEO vaccinated and non-vaccinated chickens. Immediately after challenge a significant increase in IFN-γ gene expression was followed by a significant reduction in viral replication. In contrast to the rapid induction of IFN-γ, expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8) and type I IFN β was either slightly reduced or remained at basal levels. These suggest that the former cytokines may not play important roles during immediate early responses induced by ILTV challenge in either vaccinated or non-vaccinated chickens. Overall, these results suggest that the rapid expression of IFN-γ may induce pathways of antiviral responses necessary for blocking early virus replication. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Poultry meat represents a worldwide food and can be a source of pathogen agents (Salmonella enterica spp., Escherichia coli, and Campylobacter jejuni). Therefore, identification of the best methods to reduce infections of these pathogens from poultry meat represents a critical aspect for producers. The purpose of this study was to identify the histological changes in liver and to evaluate the influence of some probiotic strains and of some amino acids in the invasion of Campylobacter jejuni. The biological material was represented by poultry broilers, the hybrid ROSS 308, which were randomly allocated in seven experimental groupss, of 10 individuals/group that were treated as follows: G0 (control); G1-L. paracasei CMGB 18 and L. rhamnosus CMGB 34 (0-42 days); G2-L. paracasei CMGB 18, L. rhamnosus CMGB 34, L. lactis CMGB 31 and L. lactis CMGB 32 (0-42 days); G3-L. paracasei CMGB 18 and L. rhamnosus CMGB 34 (35-42 days); G4-L. paracasei CMGB 18, L. rhamnosus CMGB 34, L. lactis CMGB 31 and L. lactis CMGB 32 (35-42 days); G5-L. paracasei CMGB 18, L. rhamnosus CMGB 34, L Treonine and DL Methionine (0-42 days); G6-L. paracasei CMGB 18, L. rhamnosus CMGB 34, L. lactis CMGB 31, L. lactis CMGB 32, L Treonine and DL Methionine (35-42 days). The microscopic aspects pointed out by us in this study suggest the pathogenicity of C. jejuni, marked by the appearance of inflammatory areas, with the presence of a perivascular and diffuse leukocytes infiltration and, also, presence of pyknotic nuclei. Moreover, the results show the beneficial effect of probiotic strains L. paracasei CMGB 18, L. rhamnosus CMGB 34, L. lactis CMGB 31 and L. lactis CMGB 32, with reduction of the changes caused by C.jejuni and the production of toxins, thus preventing the damage of hepatic cells. The most powerful effect was noticed when all the four probiotic strains were administrated, during the experiment of 0-42 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study was to establish the specific symptomatic ethological pathognomonic complex of infectious encephalomyelitis in poultry. The behavioural changes were monitored in 2-week-old broiler chickens (total number 10,500 housed in three premises). The typical pathoethological manifestations of infectious encephalomyelitis were investigated in broiler chickens through six behavioural activities - locomotion, appetite, water drinking, pareses, paralyses, posture. As a result of the survey, the specific ethological pathognomonic complex for infectious encephalomyelitis in chickens was identified. These clinical manifestations of a pathoethological complex and specific behavioural activities could be used to support the diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Avian rotaviruses are still largely undefined despite being widespread in several avian species and despite the economic impact of rotavirus (RV) enteritis in poultry flocks. In this study, the presence of different avian RV groups was investigated in commercial poultry flocks reared in Northern and Central Italy and with a history of enteric diseases. Faeces or intestinal contents from different avian species previously found to contain RV particles by electron microscopy (EM) were analysed by both RNA-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction specific for groups A, D, F and G RVs. Group D avian RV was detected in 107 of 117 samples tested (91.5%), whereas groups A, F and G avian RVs were present in 70 (59%), 61 (52.1%) and 31 (26.5%) samples, respectively. Multiple presence of different RV groups was detected in 83% of samples. This study provides novel data on the prevalence of genetically different avian RVs in Italian poultry flocks. This information is useful to elucidate the epidemiology of avian RVs circulating in Italy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analysed the effects of cold stress (19 ± 1°C, 6 h /day, from the first to the seventh day of life) applied to specific pathogen free (SPF) chickens. On experimental Day 1 (ED1), chicks were divided into four groups: C (not infected and kept under thermoneutral condition); CS (not infected and cold stressed); PC (Salmonella Heidelberg (SH) infected and kept under thermoneutral condition) and PCS (SH infected and cold stressed). High concentrations of corticosterone were found in the cold stressed birds on ED7 and ED21, with a greater increase in birds of the PCS group. Stress or non-stressed SH-infected birds had high levels of norepinephrine on ED21. On ED21, an increased percentage and number of SH were found in birds of the PCS group. On ED7, a decrease in macrophages presenting MHCII, CD8+ and CD8+γδ cells was observed in the chickens of the CS group. Decrease was observed in CD3+ cells in the birds of the PCS group and increase in macrophages presenting MHCII cells and of the CD4+/CD8+ ratio in chickens of the CS group on ED21. There was a decrease in CD8+γδ cells in birds of the CS group on ED21 and in the CD3+ and CD8+cell numbers in chickens of the PCS group on ED21. Our results suggest that cold stress applied to chickens in the first 7 days of life increases both the hypothalamus pituitary adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system activities, leading to long-term immune cell dysfunction, thus allowing increased SH invasion and persistence within the birds' body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Probiotics have been used to control Salmonella colonization in the chicken intestine. Recently, we demonstrated that certain selected Lactobacillus isolates were able to reduce Salmonella infection in the chicken spleen and liver as well as down-regulated Salmonella pathogenicity island 1 virulence gene expression in the chicken caecum. To further understand the mechanisms through which Lactobacillus protected chickens from Salmonella infection, the present study has investigated the Lactobacillus isolate(s)-induced host immune response of chickens to Salmonellaenterica serovar Typhimurium infection. A thorough examination of cytokine gene expression in the ileum, caecal tonsils, and spleen on days 1 and 3 post-Salmonella infection showed a dynamic spatial and temporal response to Salmonella infection and Lactobacillus treatments. In most instances, it was evident that treatment of chickens with Lactobacillus isolates could significantly attenuate Salmonella-induced changes in the gene expression profile. These included the genes encoding pro-inflammatory cytokines [lipopolysaccharide-induced TNF factor, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-8], T helper 1 cytokines [IL-12 and interferon (IFN)-γ], and T helper 2 cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10). Another important observation from the present investigation was that the response induced by a combination of Lactobacillus isolates was generally more effective than that induced by a single Lactobacillus isolate. Our results show that administration of certain selected Lactobacillus isolates can effectively modulate Salmonella-induced cytokine gene expression, and thus help reduce Salmonella infection in chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Avian Nephritis Virus (ANV) has been implicated in poor growth and renal disease of young chickens. This paper describes the development of a reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction for the detection of ANV in commercial meat chickens and the use of high-resolution melt curves to detect the presence of genetically different ANVs. Pooled cloacal swabs from both healthy and ill commercial chicken broiler flocks were tested for the presence of ANV using a combination of polymerase chain reaction, molecular cloning, high-resolution melt curve analysis and sequencing. Except for one, all specimens were found to contain two genetically different ANVs. Phylogenetic analysis of the capsid amino acid sequences revealed the presence of four of six groups of ANV identified previously in other countries as well as in two novel groups of ANV. Phylogenetic analysis of nucleotide sequences of partial polymerase, capsid and 3′ untranslated regions reveal that the genes of individual ANV virus isolates have different ancestors. This was shown to be due to a template-switching event in the capsid gene that resulted in the 3′ end of the capsid gene and the 3′ untranslated region of one ANV isolate being transferred to another ANV. These results reveal that infection of chicken flocks with multiple ANV isolates is common and this needs to be taken into consideration in diagnosis of ANV using molecular techniques and in future epidemiological investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Infectious bursal disease is caused by infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), an immunosuppressive virus that targets immune cells such as B cells and macrophages. However, the involvement of dendritic cells (DCs) during IBDV infection is not well understood. In this study thein vitroeffects of live and inactivated very virulent IBDV (vvIBDV) UPM0081 on bone marrow-derived DCs (BM-DC) were characterized and compared with BM-DC treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Morphologically, BM-DC treated with LPS and vvIBDV showed stellate shape when compared to immature BM-DC. In addition, LPS-treated and both live and inactivated vvIBDV-infected BM-DC expressed high levels of double positive CD86 and major histocompatibility complex class II antigens (>20%). vvIBDV-infected BM-DC showed significantly higher numbers of apoptotic cells compared to LPS. Replication of vvIBDV was detected in the infected BM-DC as evidenced by the increased expression of VP3 and VP4 IBDV antigens based on flow cytometry, real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence tests. Levels of different immune-related genes such as interleukin-1β(IL-1β), CXCLi2 (IL-8), IL-18, interferon gamma (IFN-γ, IL-12α, CCR7 and Toll-like receptor-3 (TLR3) were measured after LPS and vvIBDV treatments. However, marked differences were noticed in the onset and intensity of the gene expression between these two treatment groups. LPS was far more potent than live and inactivated vvIBDV in inducing the expression of IL-1β, IL-18 and CCR7 while expression of Th1-like cytokines, IFN-γand IL-12αwere significantly increased in the live vvIBDV treatment group. Meanwhile, the expression of TLR3 was increased in live vvIBDV-infected BM-DC as compared to control. Inactivated vvIBDV-treated BM-DC failed to stimulate IFN-γ, IL-12αand TLR3 expressions. This study suggested that BM-DC may serve as another target cells during IBDV infection which require further confirmation viain vivostudies. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The development of an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the serological diagnosis of Group B chicken astrovirus (CAstV) infections is described. The test was based on the use of an affinity-purified capsid antigen, specific to CAstV isolate 11672, produced as a glutathione-S-transferase N-terminal fusion protein by a recombinant baculovirus. Strongly positive ELISA signals were elicited against experimentally produced antisera raised to CAstVs from Group B (subgroups i and ii) but were negative for antisera raised to a Group A CAstV. Using a panel of 240 selected serum samples, 99% agreement was observed when the results obtained by ELISA were compared to those from an indirect immunofluorescence test for CAstV 11672. The ELISA test was applied to 68 serum sets comprising 1864 samples, which were obtained from parent and grandparent flocks originating mainly in the UK. Of the 52 sets containing ELISA-positive samples, 24 sets had >75% samples positive and nine sets had <25% samples positive and were regarded as having high and low seropositivities, respectively. Of the 1864 serum samples tested 1090 (58.5%) were ELISA positive and of these, 234 sera (21.5%) produced strongly positive signals, whereas moderately positive and weakly positive signals were produced by 562 (51.5%) and 294 (27%) sera. When used for flock screening purposes, this ELISA test can be used to (i) investigate the occurrence of first-time CAstV infections of parent flocks during lay and the possible adverse effects caused by vertically transmitted CAstV infections on broiler hatchability and performance and (ii) diagnose Group B CAstV infections within specific pathogen free flocks. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

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Marek's disease (MD), caused by Marek's disease virus (MDV), is a lymphoproliferative neoplastic disease of chickens and is characterized by MD lymphoma in multiple visceral organs of chicken. It causes great damage to poultry health. Recently, miRNA has been reported to be involved in Marek's disease lymphomagenesis. Our previous study showed that ggamiR-181a was down-regulated in MDV-induced lymphoma, and its target gene, v-myb myeloblastosis viral oncogene homolog-like 1 (MYBL1), was predicted. In this study, the interaction between gga-miR-181a and MYBL1 was further verified by detecting protein expression levels of MYBL1 after transfecting miR-181a mimic into MD lymphoma cell line, MSB1. The result showed that protein level of MYBL1 was lower in gga-miR-181a mimic transfecting group than that in the negative control group at 96 h post transfection, which indicated that MYBL1 was a target gene of gga-miR-181a. Additionally, we found that the expression of MYBL1 was higher in MDV-infected samples than that in non-infected controls, which agreed with the proposition that miRNA showed a negatively correlated expression pattern with its target gene. We observed the inhibitory effect of gga-miR-181a on MSB1 cell proliferation. Collectively, the aberrant expression of gga-miR-181a and MYBL1 in MD lymphoma suggested that they might be involved in MD tumor transformation and played important roles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The popularity of food produced from animals kept under an organic regimen has increased in recent years. In Germany, turkey meat consumption has increased. Despite several studies assessing the susceptibility of campylobacters to various antibiotics in poultry, no sufficient data exists regarding the antimicrobial resistance of campylobacters in organic-reared turkeys. This study provides information about antibiotic resistance in Campylobacter isolated from turkeys reared on organic farms in Germany. Ninety-six Campylobacter strains (41 C. jejuni and 55 C. coli) were isolated from different free-range turkey flocks. In vitro antimicrobial sensitivity testing was done using a broth microdilution test, and the presence of resistance genes to antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, tetracycline) was investigated. All Campylobacter isolates from organic turkeys (n = 96) were phenotypically sensitive to gentamicin, erythromycin, streptomycin, and chloramphenicol. In this study, the antibiotic susceptibilities of C. jejuni to ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, and naladixic acid were 56.0%, 51.3%, and 56.0%, respectively. In contrast, 44.0%, 73.0%, and 74.6% of C. coli isolates were resistant to tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, and nalidixic acid, respectively. Replacement of the Thr-86→Ile in the gyrA gene, and the presence of the tet(O) gene were the mainly identified resistance mechanisms against fluoroquinolones and tetracycline, respectively. These results also reinforce the need to develop strategies and implement specific control procedures to reduce the development of antimicrobial resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article summarizes the quantitative estimation of contaminated hatching eggs originating from an infected turkey breeder hen flock during a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak in the U.S. Topics covered include the study was done on a breeder henhouse in an HPAI Control Area, quantitative estimation cited the number of contaminated eggs unleashed per movement ranging from 0 to 0.008, and results confirmed no vertical transmission of HPAI virus to turkey poults.

The article looks at the protection factors against with infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) among chickens like clinical signs, ciliostasis and challenge virus detection. Topics covered include the study was done in 2 experiments where vaccinated chickens that were assigned to groups with and without ciliostasis were checked in terms of resistance against IBV, and results proving that ciliostasis can reduce bacterial infections among vaccinated chickens, which can boost IBV vaccine efficiency.

The article explains the role of respiratory pathogen co-infection in boosting death rates among poultry flocks in Algeria. Topics discussed include the study was done through phylogenetic characterization of Algerian infectious bronchitis virus strains in comparison to strains found in nearby nations, and results confirmed that a co-infection with pathogens like Mycoplasma gallisepticum andavian metapneumovirus subtype B field strain raised chicken and turkey death rates in Algeria.

The article describes the effects of avian hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection among chickens from organic layers. Topics covered include the study was done on 141 chickens from 10 organic layer flocks that have confirmed history of egg production decline from 2012 to 2014, usual findings confirmed signs of the disease on the white foci of the liver and regressed ova, and results confirmed that the avian HEV infection is linked to genotype 2.

The article looks at the disease development of the avian infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) genotypes that affected the Iranian poultry industry. Topics discussed include the study evaluated trachea, kidney and cecal tonsil of chickens originating from 250 flocks, various IBV genotypes were shown like Mass, Variant 2, and IR-II, and results summarized the IBV outbreak in Iran

Poultry and poultry meat are particularly susceptible to oxidative reactions. Oxidation processes have been for decades the focus of animal and meat scientists owing to the negative impact of these reactions on animal growth, performance, and food quality. Lipid oxidation has been recognized a major threat to the quality of processed poultry products. The recent discoveries on the occurrence of protein oxidation in muscle foods have increased the scientific and technological interest in a topic that broadens the horizons of food biochemistry into innovative fields. Furthermore, in recent years we have witnessed a growing interest in consumers on the impact of diet and oxidation on health and aging. Hence, the general description of oxidative reactions as harmful phenomena goes beyond the actual impact on animal production and food quality and reaches the potential influence of oxidized foods on consumer health. Likewise, the current antioxidant strategies aim for the protection of the living tissues, the food systems, and a potential health benefit in the consumer upon ingestion. Along these lines, the application of phytochemicals and other microelements (Se, Cu) with antioxidant potential in the feeds or directly in the meat product are strategies of substantial significance. The present paper reviews in a concise manner the most relevant and novel aspects of the mechanisms and consequences of oxidative reactions in poultry and poultry meat, and describes current antioxidant strategies against these undesirable reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phylogenetic analysis of influenza viruses collected during December 2009-February 2010 from chickens in live poultry retail shops in Lahore, Pakistan, showed influenza A(H9N2) lineage polymerase and nonstructural genes generate through inter- and intrasubtypic reassortments. Many amino acid signatures observed were characteristic of human isolates; hence, their circulation could enhance inter- or intrasubtypic reassortment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza viruses have caused outbreaks among poultry worldwide, resulting in sporadic infections in humans with approximately 60% mortality. However, efficient transmission of H5N1 viruses among humans has yet to occur, suggesting that further adaptation of H5N1 viruses to humans is required for their efficient transmission among humans. The viral determinants for efficient replication in humans are currently poorly understood. Here, we report that the polymerase PB2 protein of an H5N1 influenza virus isolated from a human in Vietnam (A/Vietnam/UT36285/2010, virus 36285) increased the growth ability of an avian H5N1 virus (A/wild bird/Anhui/82/2005, virus Wb/AH82) in human lung epithelial A549 cells (however, the reassortant virus did not replicate more efficiently than human 36285 virus). Furthermore, we demonstrate that the amino acid residues at positions 249, 309, and 339 of the PB2 protein from this human isolate were responsible for its efficient replication in A549 cells. PB2 residues 249G and 339M, which are found in the human H5N1 virus, are rare in H5N1 viruses from both human and avian sources. Interestingly, PB2-249G is found in over 30% of human seasonal H3N2 viruses, which suggests that H5N1 viruses may replicate well in human cells when they acquire this mutation. Our data are of value to H5N1 virus surveillance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the study that determined the influenza A virus (IAV) that sporadically affected poultry and commercial swine in Missouri from 2005-2013. Topics discussed include recovery of H14 IAV isolate in North American wild waterfowl, providing proof of the genetic diversity of the subtype, and production of IAV isolates with genomic link to H7N3 IAV strain that emerged in 2012 and affected domestic poultry of Mexico.

The article discusses the study that determined the age-related susceptibility of turkeys to turkey coronavirus (TCoV) and turkey astrovirus (TAstV), and the effect of combined TAstV and TCoV infection in two-week-old poults and turkey hens. Findings discussed include detection of TCoV in all age groups, gradual decrease in TAstV last detection point in birds inoculated at two, seven, and 12 week of age, and lone TAstV infection to not affect body weight in poults or hen egg production.

Co-circulation of influenza A(H5N1) and seasonal influenza viruses among humans and animals could lead to co-infections, reassortment, and emergence of novel viruses with pandemic potential. We assessed the timing of subtype H5N1 outbreaks among poultry, human H5N1 cases, and human seasonal influenza in 8 countries that reported 97% of all human H5N1 cases and 90% of all poultry H5N1 outbreaks. In these countries, most outbreaks among poultry (7,001/11,331, 62%) and half of human cases (313/625, 50%) occurred during January-March. Human H5N1 cases occurred in 167 (45%) of 372 months during which outbreaks among poultry occurred, compared with 59 (10%) of 574 months that had no outbreaks among poultry. Human H5N1 cases also occurred in 59 (22%) of 267 months during seasonal influenza periods. To reduce risk for co-infection, surveillance and control of H5N1 should be enhanced during January-March, when H5N1 outbreaks typically occur and overlap with seasonal influenza virus circulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Outside Asia, Egypt is considered to be an influenza H5N1 epicentre and presents a far greater pandemic risk than other countries. The long-term endemicity of H5N1 and the recent emergence of H9N2 in poultry call attention to the need for unravelling the epidemiology, ecology and highly diverse gene pool of influenza A virus (IAV) in Egypt which is the aim of this review. Isolation of a considerable number of IAV subtypes from several avian and mammalian hosts was described. Co-infections of poultry with H5N1 and H9N2 and subclinical infections of pigs and humans with H1N1 and H5N1 may raise the potential for the reassortment of these viruses. Moreover, the adjustment of IAV genomes, particularly H5N1, to optimize their evolution toward efficient transmission in human is progressing in Egypt. Understanding the present situation of influenza viruses in Egypt will help in the control of the disease and can potentially prevent a possible pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) are responsible for significant economic losses in the poultry industry and are difficult to eradicate. Biofilm formation by APEC has the potential to reduce the efficacy of cleaning and disinfection. In this study, biofilm formation on materials used in poultry facilities by APEC strains from laying hens was determined. APEC strains were analysed for an association between biofilm forming capacity and 0 serogroup. The abilities of two routinely used disinfectants, hydrogen peroxide (H202) and a quaternary ammonium compound (QAC), to kill adherent cells of two strong APEC biofilm producers (05/503 and 04/40) and a non-biofilm producer (05/293) on polystyrene (PS) and polyvinylchloride (PVC) surfaces were tested. Most APEC strains were moderate (PS) or strong biofilm producers (polypropylene, PP, and PVC). Strains in serogroup 02 more often belonged to the moderate (PS) or strong (PP and PVC) biofilm producers than to other groups, while most 078 strains were weak biofilm producers. 078 strains were stronger biofilm producers on stainless steel than on PP and PVC, while 02 strains were stronger biofilm producers on PP and PVC. A concentration of 1% H202 killed all adherent bacteria of strains 05/503 and 04/40 on PP and PVC, while 0.5% H202 killed all adherent bacteria of strain 05/293. QAC at a concentration of 0.01% killed all adherent cells of strains 05/503, 04/40 and 05/293 under equal conditions. In conclusion, biofilm formation by APEC was affected by serogroup and surface material, and inactivation of APEC was dependent on the disinfectant and surface material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marek's disease is a lymphomatous and neuropathic disease of the domestic chickens caused by herpesvirus. Currently the acute form of the disease, with extended visceral lymphomas, is the most common with an incidence of 10-30%. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the vaccine Labio-Marek prepared by LABIOFAM against the challenge of the virulent JM strain in specific pathogen free chickens. A dose of the vaccine containing 1000 plate-forming units in 0.2 mL was inoculated in one-day old chickens by subcutaneous route. The chickens were challenged with 10³ TCID50 of the JM strain and observed during 7 weeks to detect neurological signs such as paralysis and others associated with the disease. One group of chickens remained as a control of non-vaccinated chickens, which were challenged, and another group of chickens that was not vaccinated nor challenged. Autopsy was carried out at day 54 after vaccination on chickens that survived the challenge and histological evaluation of the organs was performed. The vaccinated chickens showed no clinical symptoms of the disease and had no microscopic lesions related to Marek's disease virus. However, 71% of non-vaccinated challenged chickens died and 83.87% showed lesions of Marek's disease. It is concluded that the evaluated vaccine can be used for the prevention of Marek's disease in chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on research which investigated the protective properties of three distinct infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) Ark Delmarva (AD) poultry industry (ArkDPI) S1 proteins encoded from replication-defective recombinant adenovirus vectors. Researchers found that the first portion of S1 displays relevant immunoprotective epitopes and that use of an optimal dose of AdIBVS1.C2 effectively protected chickens from clinical signs and significantly reduced viral load after an IBV Ark virulent challenge.

We conducted a population survey in Hong Kong to gauge psychological and behavioral responses to the threat of influenza A(H7N9) and support for closure of live poultry markets. We found low anxiety and low levels of exposure to live poultry but mixed support for permanent closure of the markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six persons in Taiwan who had contact with poultry infected with influenza A(H5N2) showed seroconversion for the virus by hemagglutinin inhibition or microneutralization testing. We developed an ELISA based on nonstructural protein 1 of the virus to differentiate natural infection from cross-reactivity after vaccination; 2 persons also showed seroconversion by this test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backgrounds and Objectives: Classified as low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) viruses, the H9N2 subtype causes severe respiratory disease in poultry farms and occasional respiratory disease in humans. In this study, the neuraminidase (NA) gene of three Avian Influenza (AI) H9N2 strains isolated from poultry farms in Iran during 2010-11, as well as other reported Iranian H9N2 isolates, were genetically analyzed and their nucleotide changes were evaluated. Materials and Methods: The NA gene of three AIVs were sequenced and evaluated for genetic characteristics and phylogenetic relationship. Results: One new potential glycosylation site (PGS) at amino acid position 306 was observed in one of the studied isolates (A/Chicken/Iran/N102/2011). Antigenic sites of NA in Iranian H9N2 isolates have varied in a yearly manner. The Iranian isolates can be divided into 2 main subgroups; 11-T like subgroup viruses isolated mainly during 1998-2004 and second subgroup viruses isolated during 2004-2009. Interestingly, the three studied isolates fell into a third subgroup. The nucleotide sequences of the three studied isolates showed high identity to recent Pakistani H9N2 isolates (94.5-97%) compared to former Iranian AIV isolates (89-94%). Conclusion: High frequency of substitutions in the NA gene of studied isolates in recent years and effects of those substitutions on the pathogenicity of AI virus highlight the need to continue surveillance of genetic characteristics of AIV H9N2 in Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]