Transmissible viral proventriculitis and stunting syndrome in broiler chickens in Egypt: 1. isolation and characterization of variant infectious bursal disease virus [IBDV]

ABSTRACT

In the present study, 46 broiler chicken flocks [2-4 weeks of age in farms located in four governorates] were examined. They were affected with proventriculitis and stunting syndrome and were vaccinated with classical infectious bursal disease vaccines. The affected flocks generally showed stunting, reduced growth rate and uneven weight distribution. The virus was detected in the bursa at 72 hours PI by ELISA and electron microscope confirming the persistence of the variant IBDV in the chicks, despite the presence of IBDV classical antibodies. The present study reported, for the first time, the association of IBDV with stunting syndrome and proventriculitis in broilers in Egypt