Veterinarska stanica, Vol. 55 No. 6, 2024.
Review article
https://doi.org/10.46419/vs.55.6.3
Health repercussions of Avian Rotaviruses on Poultry and Fancy Pigeons
Valentina Kunić
orcid.org/0000-0002-0154-7652
; Hrvatski veterinarski institut, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Željko Gottstein
; Veterinarski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Marina Prišlin
orcid.org/0000-0002-1169-2060
; Hrvatski veterinarski institut, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Vladimir Savić
orcid.org/0000-0003-0398-5346
; Centar za peradarstvo, Hrvatki veterinarski institut, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Dragan Brnić
orcid.org/0000-0002-7318-8337
; Hrvastki veterinarski institut, Zagreb, Hrvatska
*
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Multicausal enteric diseases pose significant challenges to the global poultry industry, leading to substantial economic losses. This review focuses on the role of Avian Rotaviruses (AvRVs) in poultry enteritis and Runting Stunting Syndrome and highlights the importance of interspecies transmission. Avian rotaviruses, particularly species Rotavirus A and Rotavirus D, have been implicated in poultry enteritis, contributing to the complexity of clinical signs associated with coinfections involving various pathogens. The rotavirus virion, with its characteristic wheel-shaped appearance, targets mature enterocytes in the small intestine, leading to malabsorption, shortening of intestinal villi, and watery diarrhoea. Avian RVs exhibit a complex epidemiology with horizontal transmission through the faecal-oral route or via direct contact. High flock density and prolonged environmental survival of AvRVs contribute to their persistence in poultry environments. Likewise, AvRV outbreaks in pigeon pageants have been associated with severe clinical manifestations, including hepatic necrosis and digestive system abnormalities. The prevalence of AvRV in pigeons during such events can be substantial, reaching up to 90%. Notably, interspecies transmission between avian and mammalian hosts has been observed, although zoonotic transmission of AvRVs has not been reported. Laboratory diagnostic methods play pivotal roles in identifying AvRV infections, considering the absence of pathognomonic clinical
signs. Vaccine development is facing challenges due to high antigenic variation, but promising alternatives, such as oral administration of egg-derived IgY antibodies, show potential for prophylaxis and therapy. Biosecurity measures and treatment options, including oral electrolyte solutions and antibiotics for secondary bacterial infections, are crucial in controlling AvRV mortality. Despite the challenges, advancements in molecular diagnostics and innovative prophylaxis strategies offer
promising avenues for mitigating the impacts of AvRV on poultry health.
Keywords
Rotavirus A; Rotavirus D; poultry; fancy pigeon; interspecies transmission; Runting Stunting Syndrome
Hrčak ID:
315613
URI
Publication date:
21.4.2024.
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