Neutralizing and precipitating antibodies against infectious bronchitis virus in chickens

Authors: Lohr JE
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 22, Issue 1-2, pp 5-9, Jan 1974
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Avian, Poultry, Production animal
Subject Terms: Ear/nose/throat, Immune system/immunology, Respiratory system, Viral
Article class: Scientific Article

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Abstract: Infectious bronchitis is an acute, highly contagious disease of chickens. Characteristically the disease predominantly involves the respiratory system, but in Australia, Cumming (1969) reported that certain strains of infectious bronchitis virus, designated “A” and “T” isolates, are capable of causing nephritis in addition to respiratory signs. Similar strains were later also identified in New Zealand (Pohl, 1968) and other countries. In New Zealand, the virus of infectious bronchitis was first isolated and identified by Pohl (1967, 1968). McCausland et al (1972) gave more details of clinical symptoms and virus isolation relating to this disease in New Zealand. Infectious bronchitis is thought to be “probably common” (Anon., 1971a) in New Zealand, and personal communications indicate that virus isolations are commonly made by the Wallaceville and Ruakura Animal Health Laboratories. According to McCausland (1972) eight outbreaks of infectious bronchitis, which represented 1.4% of all poultry disease submissions, were diagnosed between 1969 and 1971 at the Ruakura Animal Health Laboratory. Serological surveys overseas show that the disease is usually widespread (GuilIon et al 1963; Hemsley, 1965; Wachendorfer et al 1967; Stephens and Simmons, 1968: Cumminq, 1969). The Australian workers (Stenhens and Simmons, 1968: Cumming, 1969) found that nearly all the flocks they tested were either positive initially or became positive at a later date. Since growth and production losses in New Zealand broiler and layer flocks are commonly blamed on infectious bronchitis, often without adequate evidence, a limited serological survey was undertaken to establish the possible role of this infection upon flock health.

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