The isolation and attenuation of a virus causing rhinotracheitis in turkeys in South Africa

Abstract

In March 1978, a number of turkeys with severe respiratory symptoms affecting over 80% of the flock were investigated for a possible causative agent. With the standard techniques used for the isolation of bacteriae, mycoplasmae and viruses, only Mycoplasma gallisepticum, Mycoplasma meleagridis and Newcastle disease virus were isolated. Tracheal organ cultures were subsequently prepared from 27-day-old turkey embryos and inoculated with sinus exudate from affected turkeys. After an incubation period of 4 days a virus was isolated with which the typical symptoms, as observed in the field, could be reproduced in susceptible turkeys after 3-5 days. Following primary isolation in tracheal organ cultures, the virus grew readily in embryonated eggs and Vero cells. With the electron microscope, virus-like particles, varying in size from 40 nm-500 nm, were observed, having a pleomorphic shape and studded with fine surface projections. The virus seems to fall into the family Paramyxoviridae. A vaccine produced from attenuated virus in embryonated eggs afforded good protection against mortalities due to airsacculitis that normally follows on to turkey rhinotracheitis infection. The serological and clinical effects of the virus on chickens are also reported on.