Prevalence of respiratory and lymphotropic viruses in turkeys in Belgium.

Abstract

During the winter of 1995-1996, blood was collected from 325 turkeys from 13 Belgian turkey fattening farms (25 samples/farm) at slaughter. Antibodies against paramyxovirus (PMV) 1, 2 and 3, influenza virus A, turkey rhinotracheitis virus, the antigenically related herpesviruses (Marek's disease virus and turkey herpesvirus) as well as infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) serotype 1 and 2 were detected. Turkey rhinotracheitis virus and either Marek's disease virus or turkey herpesvirus had been present in all farms. Antibodies against influenza virus A were detected in turkeys from 3 farms and antibodies against IBDV serotype 2 were found in turkeys from 2 farms. None of the flocks had been infected with PMV-2, PMV-3 or IBDV serotype 1. The interpretation of the serological results for PMV-1 was difficult due to the compulsory vaccination against this virus.