A reservoir of virulent Newcastle disease virus in village chicken flocks

Village chicken flocks in 6 different regions of Morocco were studied for the presence of Newcastle disease. Three of the regions contained industrialised poultry farming and 3 were isolated mountainous regions with no industrialised poultry farming. Serum samples and tracheal swabs were taken from 100 chickens in each region. Antibodies against Newcastle disease virus (NDV) were found in chickens from every region. Forty-one isolates of NDV were obtained including some from chickens in every region. Two virus isolates from each region characterised and all were found to be velogenic. Thus, village chicken flocks throughout Morocco harbour a reservoir of virulent NDV, independently of industrialised farms.     

2000～2004年间广西新城疫病毒强毒株的分离与鉴定

近年来从广西不同地区规模化鸡场的13个肉鸡群病死鸡中分离到13株有血凝性的病毒,这13株病毒的血凝性均能被新城疫标准阳性血清抑制,经过血凝(HA)试验、血凝抑制(HI)试验和RT-PCR检测结果确定为新城疫病毒.13株病毒的生物学特性测定实验结果证明该13株病毒均为新城疫病毒强毒株.     

Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of new Newcastle disease virus isolates from the mainland of China

Seventy-nine velogenic Newcastle disease virus (NDV) isolates were obtained from infected chicken flocks during the outbreaks of Newcastle disease (ND) in various regions of the mainland of China in 2006. The F gene fragment (535 bp, from nt 47 to 581 of the F gene) which codes the main functional region of the F protein was obtained by RT-PCR and sequenced. All sequences obtained in this study have been submitted to GenBank. All the isolates have the motif ¹¹²R-R-Q/R-K/R-R-F¹¹⁷ at the cleavage site of the fusion protein, which is typical of velogenic NDV isolates. For genotyping, a phylogenetic tree based on nucleotides 47–435 of the F gene was constructed, and the 79 isolates could be divided into two genotypes, namely VIId and III. Most of the isolates proved to be of genotype VIId; only two isolates were of genotype III. Genotype VIId NDV has been the predominant pathogen responsible for most Newcastle disease outbreaks in China. The proportion of isolates of genotype VIId NDV shows an increasing trend, according to studies on the molecular epidemiology of NDV in China from 2002 to 2006.     

Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of new Newcastle disease virus isolates from the mainland of China

Seventy-nine velogenic Newcastle disease virus (NDV) isolates were obtained from infected chicken flocks during the outbreaks of Newcastle disease (ND) in various regions of the mainland of China in 2006. The F gene fragment (535 bp, from nt 47 to 581 of the F gene) which codes the main functional region of the F protein was obtained by RT-PCR and sequenced. All sequences obtained in this study have been submitted to GenBank. All the isolates have the motif ¹¹²R-R-Q/R-K/R-R-F¹¹⁷ at the cleavage site of the fusion protein, which is typical of velogenic NDV isolates. For genotyping, a phylogenetic tree based on nucleotides 47–435 of the F gene was constructed, and the 79 isolates could be divided into two genotypes, namely VIId and III. Most of the isolates proved to be of genotype VIId; only two isolates were of genotype III. Genotype VIId NDV has been the predominant pathogen responsible for most Newcastle disease outbreaks in China. The proportion of isolates of genotype VIId NDV shows an increasing trend, according to studies on the molecular epidemiology of NDV in China from 2002 to 2006.     

Prevalence of avian influenza,Newcastle disease,and infectious bronchitis viruses in broiler flocks infected with multifactorial respiratory diseases in Iran, 2015–2016

In this study, the prevalence and spatial distribution of Newcastle disease, infectious bronchitis, and avian influenza have been evaluated in commercial broiler farms in 31 provinces in Iran. In this survey, a total of 233 affected broiler chicken farms were sampled. The infectious bronchitis virus (alone) was detected with highest frequency in 60 farms, and separately or combined with other agents, in 110 farms; Newcastle disease virus, separately, was detected in 28 farms, and in 63 farms separately or combined with other infectious agents; and avian influenza H9N2 was detected in 22 farms separately and in 51 farms separately or concomitant with other infectious agents. The sample tested negative for all H5 serotypes. The results of the present study show that the most prevalent avian viral infectious disease contributing to respiratory syndromes in broiler farms in Iran was infectious bronchitis due to infectious bronchitis virus serotypes variant 2 and 793/B. On the other hand, combined with the alternation of dominant viruses and circulating strains, flocks are exposed to unremitting anamorphic viral infections. Thus, the permanent monitoring of cases that have occurred and the review of vaccination plans of affected flocks every year are some of the necessary measures needed for strategic control of respiratory syndrome in broilers. It is noteworthy that execution of epidemiologic examinations on the cogent factors of prevalence of this syndrome and defeat of vaccination strategy in the flocks is urgent and has to be fulfilled on the definite causes of time.

     

Detection of subgroup J avian leukosis virus infection in Australian meat-type chickens

OBJECTIVE: To determine the extent of avian leukosis virus subgroup J (ALV-J) infection in Australian broiler breeder flocks, using virus isolation and molecular biological detection. Any resultant ALV-J viral isolates to be characterised by neutralisation cross testing in order to determine antigenic relationships to overseas isolates of ALV-J. STUDY DESIGN: Samples of blood, feather pulp, albumen and tumours were obtained from broiler breeder flocks which represented four genetic strains of meat chickens being grown in Victoria, South Australia, NSW and Queensland. Dead and ailing birds were necropsied on farm and samples were collected for microscopic and virological examinations. Virus isolation was carried out in C/O and DF-1 CEF cultures and ALV group specific antigen was detected in culture lysates using AC-ELISA. Micro-neutralisation assay was used for antigenic characterisation of selected isolates. Genomic DNA was isolated from cultured cells, tumours and feather pulp. ALV-J envelope sequences were amplified by PCR using specific ALV-J primers while antibodies against ALV-J were detected by ELISA. RESULTS: A total of 62 ALV-J isolates were recovered and confirmed by PCR from 15 (31.3%) of 48 breeder flocks tested. Antibody to ALV-J was detected in 20 (47.6%) of the 42 flocks tested. Characteristic lesions of myeloid leukosis caused by ALV-J were found in affected flocks. The gross pathological lesions were characterised by skeletal myelocytomas located on the inner sternum and ribs, neoplastic enlargement of the liver, and in some cases gross tumour involvement of the spleen, kidney, trachea, skeletal muscles, bone marrow, skin and gonads. Microscopically, the tumours consisted of immature granulated myelocytes, and were present as focal or diffuse infiltrations in the affected organs. Virus micro-neutralisation assays demonstrated antigenic variation among Australian isolates and to overseas strains of ALV-J. CONCLUSION: ALV-J infection was prevalent in Australian broiler breeder flocks during 2001 to 2003. Australian isolates of ALV-J show a degree of antigenic variation when compared to overseas isolates.     

上海地区近几年鸭新发病毒性传染病的血清学调查

于2003年从上海市5个区17个养鸭场(户)的鸭群中采集276份血清样品，采用进口ELISA试剂盒对冠状病毒、传染性法氏囊病毒、新城疫病毒、产蛋下降综合征病毒的感染状况进行了血清学调查。结果表明，受检鸭群存有不同程度的阳性率，原来只感染鸡的疫病逐步向鸭群延伸。     

An investigation of the disease status of village poultry in Mauritania

Three contagious poultry diseases in Mauritania were studied. Serum samples and tracheal swabs were taken from 80 chickens in village poultry flocks in each of three different regions. Antibodies against Newcastle disease virus (NDV) were detected in 4.8% of chickens, antibodies against Gumboro disease virus in 15.8% of chickens and antibodies against Salmonella pullorum in 6.2% of chickens. Six isolates of NDV were made, of which four formed plaques on chicken embryo fibroblast monolayers. Seropositivity was highest in the Trarza region, bordering the River Senegal, and four out of six of the NDV isolates were made from chickens in this region.     

新城疫病毒山东强毒株的分离鉴定

从山东流行烈性传染病的鸡群中分离出7株具有血凝活性的病毒，该7株病毒的血凝活性均能被新城疫La Sota株标准阳性血清所抑制，但病毒不能被中和，仍能致死鸡胚。经分离鉴定，分离毒均为新成疫病毒株。通过鸡胚半致死量（ELD50）、最小致死量致鸡胚的平均时间（MDT）、1日龄雏鸡脑内致死指数（ICPI）、6周龄雏鸡静脉致死指数（IVPI）、血凝解脱及血凝素稳定性等试验表明：7株分离病毒均为新城疫病毒强毒性，其毒力与标准强毒株F48E9株相似。     

六株传染性支气管炎病毒的生物学特性鉴定及遗传进化分析

从华南地区疑似传染性支气管炎的病料中,分离到6株传染性支气管炎病毒并对这些分离株进行鸡胚矮小化试验、新城疫病毒干扰试验、血凝特性试验、鸡胚气管环感染试验、S1基因的克隆测序与序列分析。结果表明,各分离株均对鸡胚有明显的致矮小化作用;对新城疫病毒有明显的干扰作用;无直接血凝性,经10g/L胰酶处理后,可凝集鸡的红细胞;对鸡胚气管环有明显的感染致病变作用;利用RT-PCR方法,成功扩增出分离株的S1基因,与参考株S1基因序列比对,其中1株(GD-09II)属于Mass型,剩下5株与LX4型亲缘关系较近。     

鸡新城疫地方强毒株的分离与毒力鉴定

在河北保定地区疑似新城疫的鸡群中,分离到两株具有血凝性的病毒,与多种阳性血清进行血凝抑制试验,确定两株分离株均为新城疫病毒。对两株病毒的毒力进行了鉴定,测定鸡胚最小致死量平均死亡时间(MDT)分别为52h和54h;1日龄雏鸡脑内接种致病指数(ICPI)分别为1.93和1.86;6周龄鸡静脉内接种致病指数(IVPI)分别为2.92和2.72。结果表明:这两株分离株均为新城疫强毒株。     

Characterization of Nigerian strains of Newcastle disease virus

Newcastle disease virus was isolated from outbreaks of the disease in vaccinated and unvaccinated poultry flocks representing commercial and backyard farms in different parts of Nigeria. On characterization, all 12 isolates were found to be velogenic.     

Phylogenetic analysis of Newcastle disease viruses isolated from wild birds in the Poyang Lake region of China

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) causes a highly contagious viral disease in poultry and wild birds, and it can cause significant economic loss worldwide. Eight viral strains were isolated by inoculating embryonated chicken eggs from the Poyang Lake region of China with swab samples. All eight of the NDV isolates were identified as class I genotype 3 strains, but they diverged notablely from class II viruses. Further analysis revealed that all eight NDV isolates were lentogenic strains containing the ¹¹²ERQER↓L¹¹⁷ motif at the F protein cleavage site. The strains were highly identical and were more species specific (chicken and waterfowl) than site specific (Nanchang and Duchang regions). The close phylogenetic proximity of these isolates indicates that viral transmission may happen between poultry and wild birds. Our study demonstrates that lentogenic class I NDVs exist in clinically healthy wild waterfowl and poultry within the Poyang Lake region. Active surveillance of these viruses to determine their evolution and origin is one of the most realistic strategies for preventing and controlling NDV outbreaks.     

江西省宜春地区鸡新城疫流行情况调查

为了解江西省宜春地区鸡新城疫（ND）流行情况,在2016年3月—2017年3月对宜春地区樟树、丰城、高安、宜春、万载5个重点养鸡县（市）的31个鸡场的疑似患有ND的鸡群进行现场问询、跟踪调查。结果发现,鸡新城疫在宜春地区一年四季均有流行,其中冬季发生该病的频率相对高些,其次为春季,夏、秋季发生该病的频率相对低些;发病鸡只的日龄无差异性,各阶段的鸡只均可发生;整体发病率为20.1%-30.8%,死亡率为9.0%-25.4%,产蛋下降率为15.3%-38.8%。同时,利用SPF鸡胚对来自宜春地区5个县（市）的31个鸡场的214份病料进行新城疫病毒（NDV）分离,共分离到27株具有血凝性的病毒,经过血凝试验（HA）、血凝抑制试验（HI）及血清中和试验,最终确定23株为NDV。其中,除了2株毒力不能确定之外,其余21株均为NDV强毒株。将21株病毒用30日龄非免疫鸡进行攻毒试验,发病率为80%~100%,死亡率为60%~100%,发病鸡只均出现鸡新城疫感染的典型症状及病变。     

Surveillance and characterization of Newcastle disease viruses isolated from northern pintail (Anas acuta) in Japan during 2006-09

A total of 38 Newcastle disease virus (NDV) isolates were obtained from 6060 fecal samples from northern pintail (Anas acuta) ducks collected in the Tohoku district in Japan during 2006-09. One isolate from each sampling location and date was selected for a total of 38 isolates, then 15 of these were characterized for their pathogenicity by mean death time of minimum lethal dose (MDT/MLD) using chicken embryos and by plaque formation on chicken embryo fibroblasts. Furthermore, nine isolates were randomly selected from these 15 isolates, and the fusion protein genes were sequenced to characterize amino acid sequences around the cleavage site. All 15 were confirmed to be nonvirulent by MDT/MLD test, and nine isolates were also confirmed as nonvirulent by the cleavage site of the fusion protein 112G/E-K/R-Q-G/E-R*L117 that was specific for nonvirulent NDVs. The characteristics of nine isolates identified by phylogenic analysis of the fusion protein gene indicated that the isolates belong to genotype I or II. In addition, we also isolated 68 avian influenza viruses and 28 other hemagglutinating viruses. Our data indicate that northern pintails are subclinically infected by, perpetuate, and distribute NDV along with different subtypes of avian influenza viruses and other hemagglutinating viruses during their migrations across vast areas over the Northern Hemisphere to Japan.     

A study of breeder vaccination programs and problems in the broiler progeny in Saskatchewan utilizing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

A survey of antibodies against infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), Newcastle disease virus (NDV), and reovirus (RV) was conducted in broiler-breeder flocks and selected progeny broiler flocks utilizing the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Marked differences in antibody titers between different breeder flocks were related to differences in vaccination programs. Poor performance in some progeny broiler flocks was related to low antibody titers against IBDV in the source breeder flocks. Progeny broiler flocks in which there was a high incidence of condemnations for airsacculitis had elevated antibody titers against IBV. A few progeny broiler flocks that experienced high mortality due to gangrenous dermatitis had no antibody titers against IBDV at processing. Antibody titers against RV were very variable and could not be related to any production problems.     

Molecular characterisation of Victorian Newcastle disease virus isolates from 1976 to 1999

OBJECTIVE: To characterise Newcastle disease virus isolates obtained in Victoria from 1976 to 1999 and identify the diversity of FO cleavage signal. DESIGN: RT-PCR using viral RNA extracted from positive NDV allantoic fluid was performed to amplify a segment of the NDV F and HN genes. Molecular characterisation of the nucleotide and amino acid sequences within the FO cleavage site was undertaken. RESULTS: All isolates contained 'avirulent FO cleavage signal sequence of varied amino acid composition. CONCLUSIONS: Molecular characterisation of past and present NDV FO cleavage signal sequences will provide valuable epidemiological information and assist in understanding the genetic origins and relationships of outbreaks.     

陕西省鸡肾型传染性支气管炎病毒的分离鉴定

从临床表现呼吸道传染病的20个发病鸡群中先后分离出18株病毒,通过鸡胚感染、血清学试验、分子生物学试验、动物回归试验证明其中13株是冠状病毒科的鸡传染性支气管炎病毒,3株为新城疫病毒,2株为H9禽流感病毒。该13株中的BJ2、FF2、YL2、B01、G5、YX、WH、WG分离毒具有很强的嗜肾性和致病力,这8个陕西流行株的血清型与W118毒株相同,而与IBVGray株、W93株有一定的差异。结果表明,陕西地区主要流行鸡肾型传染性支气管炎,且流行株具有强致病力。     

Observations on swollen head syndrome in broiler and broiler breeder chickens

Chickens on 14 broiler breeder farms were examined at various times throughout their laying cycle. Antibodies to the turkey rhinotracheitis virus were common although they were not always accompanied by clinical signs of the swollen head syndrome. Ninety-nine broiler flocks were tested of which only 20 were serologically positive to the virus. Some of these infections were subclinical. On nine farms where swollen head syndrome occurred several successive flocks were sampled; the syndrome occurred intermittently.