Extracted From: A Pocket Guide to Poultry Health and Disease By Paul McMullin © 2004 Click Here to Order Your Copy

Introduction

Rotavirus infection is seen in chickens, turkeys, guinea fowl, pheasants, partridges and pigeons. The route of infection is oral and maximum viral excretion occurs 2-5 days post infection. It is not known if vertical transmission occurs though virus has been occasionally isolated from embryonated eggs.

Signs

• Diarrhoea.

Post-mortem lesions

• Viruses replicate mainly in the mature villous epithelial cells.

Diagnosis

Demonstration of virus (PAGE, electron microscopy or Elisa on intestinal contents - submit 6 x .5 g faeces). Virus may be found in asymptomatic birds.

Treatment

No specific treatment for this infection. Control of secondary bacterial enteritis may require antimicrobial medication. Use of a good electrolyte solution is beneficial in the acute stage of infection.

Prevention

Good hygiene in brooding areas.