Abstract:
: Objective To isolate and identify the causative agent of the gosling disease characterized by white pin-head necrotic foci in the liver and spleen, providing the basis for the disease’s prevention and control.
Methods PCR was used to identify the pathogen, and positive samples were selected for virus isolation by inoculating them in duck embryos and muscovy duck embryo fibroblasts (MDEF) cells, and the isolated viruses were identified by RT-PCR, viral genes sequencing, and birds challenge tests.
Results A goose-origin muscovy reovirus (Go-MDRV) strain was successfully isolated and named JS2022. After 6 th viarl passage, the death time of muscovy duck embryo was stable at 3-5 days post inoculation. The dead embryos were stunted, haemorrhagic spots and necrotic foci were observed in the liver.After inoculation with JS2022, the MDEF cells developed cytopathic effect characterized by cell shrinkage and disintegration.The nucleotide homology of σB and σC genes of JS2022 were compared withthose of Go-MDRV, muscovy duck reovirus (MDRV), novel duck reovirus (NDRV), and Avian reovirus (ARV), respectively. The results showed that the σB and σC genes of JS2022 had the highest homology with those of Go-MDRV, with nucleotide homology ranging from 99.1% to 99.5% and 99.3% to 99.9%, respectively. The birds of artificial challenge showed the similar symptoms with clinical cases.
Conclusion In this study, a strain of Go-MDRV was successfully isolated and identified, providing valuable reference for this disease’s prevention and control.