Longitudinal Survey on aMPV Circulation in French Broiler Flocks following Different Vaccination Strategies

SIMPLE SUMMARY: In recent years, the impact of respiratory disease resulting from Avian Metapneumovirus (aMPV) infection has been rising in the broiler industry in Europe. In this context, in order to investigate aMPV contribution to the clinical picture and the potential benefits of diversified vaccination strategies compared to nonvaccination policies, a longitudinal monitoring was performed in broilers located in Western France. The survey confirmed the circulation of field aMPV subtype B strains with a certain degree of genetic heterogenicity and the importance of implementation of vaccination to contain the clinical manifestations. ABSTRACT: In recent years, the impact of respiratory disease resulting from Avian Metapneumovirus (aMPV) infection has been generally rising in the broiler industry in Europe. In this context, in order to investigate aMPV contribution to the clinical picture and the potential benefits of diversified vaccination strategies compared to nonvaccination policies, a longitudinal monitoring was performed, also evaluating Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV) presence. Broiler flocks located in Western France, where aMPV has already proven to be a health and productivity issue, were screened by RT-PCR on rhino-pharyngeal swabs, and the viruses were genetically characterized by sequence analysis. For a more comprehensive picture of aMPV molecular epidemiology and evolution in France, aMPV subtype B strains detected from 1985 to 1998 were sequenced and included in the analysis. The survey confirmed the detection of aMPV subtype B in commercial broiler flocks in France, together with a certain heterogeneity demonstrated by the circulation of more recent and historical French field strains. No IBV field strains were detected. The implementation and evaluation of different management choices and vaccine strategies suggests once again that immunization does not prevent infection but contributes greatly to the containment of the clinical manifestations.