[Direct electron microscopic virus detection in diseases of goslings and Moscovy ducks (Cairina moschata)]

Abstract

Various organs of goslings and Muscovy duck chickens were investigated by electron microscopy, with the negative contrast technique being used in a routine diagnosis programme. Investigations were extended over several years and were, more specifically, applied to 1,148 samples obtained from 525 goslings and 429 samples which had been collected from 139 Muscovy duck chickens. Viruses were directly detected in 132 or 76 samples. Parvoviruses were predominant in geese and Muscovy ducks and accounted for 83.3 or 94.7%. Rotaviruses, reoviruses, and adenoviruses were sporadically diagnosed. Most of all positive findings were recorded from intestinal matter, liver, and heart. Parvovirus-related diseases were practically removed from among goslings, owing to efficient immunoprophylaxis on all larger goose units. Small privately owned flocks were found to play a role as pathogen reservoirs for both goslings and Muscovy ducks.