Avian Reovirus (REO)

Avian reoviruses are ubiquitous among poultry populations and have been reported to be responsible for viral arthritis (tenosynovitis), runting/stunting, malabsorbtion syndrome and feed passage in birds 4–16 weeks of age. The incidence of reovirus infection in older birds is high, but clinical symptoms are not seen in most birds. An assessment of immune status, as well as serologic identification of avian reovirus, requires a measurement of antibody to reovirus in serum. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) have proven efficacious in the quantification of antibody levels to other diseases, and facilitate the monitoring of immune status in large flocks.