Turkey Coronavirus

Turkey coronavirus (TCoV), a Gammacoronavirus, causes acute contagious enteritis in turkey poults, leading to impaired growth rate, low feed conversion, increased mortality, and decreased egg production in turkey breeder hens. The TCoV infections, in association/combination with other enteropathogenic viruses, bacteria, and protozoa, are associated with poult enteritis-mortality syndrome (PEMS) in turkey poults of 1–4 weeks of age. The diagnosis of TCoV is based on the isolation of the virus, detecting the antigen or RNA in the intestines or bursa of Fabricius. Serological detection of TCoV-specific antibodies can be done using immunofluorescence procedures or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Currently, no licensed vaccine is available, and the control is based on eliminating TCoV from contaminated premises by depopulation, cleaning, and/or disinfection.