Epidemiology of Avian Leukosis Virus-subtype J Infection in Broiler Breeder Flocks of Poultry and its Eradication from Pedigree Breeding Stock

Abstract

Objectives 1. Establish diagnostic procedures to identify tolerant carrier birds based on a) Isolation of ALV-J from blood, b) Detection of group-specific antigen in cloacal swabs and egg albumen. Application of these procedures to broiler breeder flocks with the purpose of removing virus positive birds from the breeding program. 2. Survey the AL V-J infection status of foundation lines to estimate the feasibility of the eradication program 3. Investigate virus transmission through the embryonated egg (vertical) and between chicks in the early post-hatch period (horizontal). Establish a model for limiting horizontal spread by analyzing parameters operative in the hatchery and brooder house. 4. Compare the pathogenicity of AL V-J isolates for broiler chickens. 5. Determine whether AL V-J poses a human health hazard by examining its replication in mammalian and human cells. Revisions. The: eradication objective had to be terminated in the second year following the closing down of the Poultry Breeders Union (PBU) in Israel. This meant that their foundation flocks ceased to be available for selection. Instead, the following topics were investigated: a) Comparison of commercial breeding flocks with and without myeloid leukosis (matched controls) for viremia and serum antibody levels. b) Pathogenicity of Israeli isolates for turkey poults. c) Improvement of a diagnostic ELISA kit for measuring ALV-J antibodies Background. ALV-J, a novel subgroup of the avian leukosis virus family, was first isolated in 1988 from broiler breeders presenting myeloid leukosis (ML). The extent of its spread among commercial breeding flocks was not appreciated until the disease appeared in the USA in 1994 when it affected several major breeding companies almost simultaneously. In Israel, ML was diagnosed in 1996 and was traced to grandparent flocks imported in 1994-5, and by 1997-8, ML was present in one third of the commercial breeding flocks It was then realized that ALV-J transmission was following a similar pattern to that of other exogenous ALVs but because of its unusual genetic composition, the virus was able to establish an extended tolerant state in infected birds. Although losses from ML in affected flocks were somewhat higher than normal, both immunosuppression and depressed growth rates were encountered in affected broiler flocks and affected their profitability. Conclusions. As a result of the contraction in the number of international primary broiler breeders and exchange of male and female lines among them, ALV-J contamination of broiler breeder flocks affected the broiler industry worldwide within a short time span. The Israeli national breeding company (PBU) played out this scenario and presented us with an opportunity to apply existing information to contain the virus. This BARD project, based on the Israeli experience and with the aid of the ADOL collaborative effort, has managed to offer solutions for identifying and eliminating infected birds based on exhaustive virological and serological tests. The analysis of factors that determine the efficiency of horizontal transmission of virus in the hatchery resulted in the workable solution of raising young chicks in small groups through the brooder period. These results were made available to primary breeders as a strategy for reducing viral transmission. Based on phylogenetic analysis of selected Israeli ALV-J isolates, these could be divided into two groups that reflected the countries of origin of the grandparent stock. Implications. The availability of a simple and reliable means of screening day old chicks for vertical transmission is highly desirable in countries that rely on imported breeding stock for their broiler industry. The possibility that AL V-J may be transmitted to human consumers of broiler meat was discounted experimentally.