Detection and Identification of Avian Reovirus in Young Geese (Anser anser domestica) in Poland

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Infection with goose reovirus (GRV) can cause serious economic losses in the goose breeding industry. In this study, we determined infectious agents associated with arthritis and the generalized infection of a flock of young geese in Poland, using molecular biology, histopathology, and virus isolation methods. The disease caused by GRV has no cure or effective vaccine. The early detection of its pathogen is basic to prevent of secondary bacterial and fungal infections. ABSTRACT: Avian reovirus (ARV) is a cause of infections of broiler and turkey flocks, as well as waterfowl birds. This case report describes a reovirus detection in a fattening goose flock. GRV-infected geese suffer from severe arthritis, tenosynovitis, pericarditis, depressed growth, or runting-stunting syndrome (RSS), malabsorption syndrome, and respiratory and enteric diseases. GRV (goose reovirus) caused pathological lesions in various organs and joints, especially in the liver and spleen. GRV infection causes splenic necrosis, which induces immunosuppression, predisposing geese to infection with other pathogens, which could worsen the disease and lead to death. Our results showed that GRV was detected via RT-PCR and isolated in SPF (Specific Pathogen Free) embryos. This is the first report of the involvement of reovirus in arthritis, and the generalized infection of young geese in Poland, resulting in pathological changes in internal organs and sudden death. This study also provides new information about the GRV, a disease that is little known and underestimated.