Enteric virus with segmented double-stranded RNA genome in broiler chicken: Rotavirus, Reovirus and Picobirnavirus

Abstract

Enteric infections account for considerable economic losses to the poultry industry through weight loss, low food conversion, direct and indirect expenses with treatments and increased death rates. Poultry intestinal pathologies, either with local or general manifestations, can be caused by bacteria, protozoa or virus, acting alone or in association. Regarding viral etiology, several genera have been isolated from poultry with enteric disease. However, two genera from the Reoviridae family, the rotavirus and the reovirus are found more frequently in broiler chicken and/or laying hen feces. These viruses have been associated with clinical signs of enteritis in most epidemiological research. This revision aims to present some topics on the etiological agents (rotavirus, reovirus and picobirnavirus), the clinical disease and the diagnostic and control methods and prophylaxis of the infection.