Rotaviruses

Rotaviruses were first identified in 1973 by children at 4 and 31 months, showing symptoms of acute gastroenteritis. Rotaviruses were detected in birds for the first time by Bergland in 1977. They, belonging to the family Reoviridae, cause enteric diseases in several avian and mammalian species. These viruses are classified into nine distinct groups (A–D and F–J) based on the antigenicity and genetic characteristics of capsid protein VP6. Avian Rotavirus (ARV) was first reported in turkey poults in the United States in 1977, and since then, the following groups, RVA, ARVD, RVF, and RVG, have been identified worldwide. The pathogenicity of rotaviruses in turkeys depends on several factors, including virulence of involved strains, co-infections with other pathogens, and management. The main clinical signs of rotavirus infections are enteric disorders such as diarrhea, depression, and runting-stunting syndrome. The diagnosis involves identifying the virus using electron microscopy and/or PCR. Commercially available ELISAs for identifying RVA in feces are also available. Currently, no commercial vaccines are available. Implementing biosecurity and strict sanitation and hygienic measures could minimize the negative impacts of rotaviruses.