Limited Transmission of Turkey Coronavirus in Young Turkeys by AdultAlphitobius diaperinus(Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Abstract

We examined the role of lesser mealworm, Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer), in the transmission of an enteric disease of turkeys caused by a coronavirus. Turkey coronavirus (TCV) from two sources was studied, one isolate (NC95) was embryo propagated, the second was TCV infected material from turkeys diagnosed with poult enteritis mortality syndrome (PEMS). Beetles were fed virus-infected feces mixed with chicken feed. Transmission of virus was effectively halted by surface sterilization of the beetles. Turkey poults administered beetle homogenates infected with TCV+ PEMS that had not been surface sterilized had reduced weight gains and 50% mortality. Mortality and weight gains were not effected in the NC95 group. Virus isolation procedures were performed to determine NC95 viability at varying time intervals. Beetles were dissected and the guts removed 1, 12, and 24 h after the initial viral feeding. Whole beetles were also examined for comparison. Whole beetles and beetle guts were homogenized and injected into turkey eggs for embryo propagation. Direct immunofluorescence was used to determine the presence of TCV. A. diaperinus were capable of mechanical transmission of TCV. However, only turkey embryos receiving whole beetle and beetle gut homogenates within 1 h of feeding on the virus were positive for TCV. Laboratory studies demonstrating PEMS transmission by A. diaperinus are continuing.

Differences in the Susceptibility to Commercial Insecticides among Populations of the Lesser Mealworm Alphitobius diaperinus Collected from Poultry Houses in France

“…A. diaperinus, by infesting poultry farms, can be eaten by chickens [ 17 ], resulting in nutritional stress due to the limited capacity of birds to digest the chitin of insects [ 18 ]. A. diaperinus, by hosting a range of bacteria ( Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, S. typhimurium, Campylobacter jejuni ) [ 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 ] and viruses (for instance, infectious bursal disease, turkey coronavirus) [ 23 , 24 ], is also a vector of several diseases to poultry. Finally, this pest poses major problems to the structure of poultry buildings by digging large galleries into the insulation material when selecting favorable microhabitats for pupation [ 25 ].…”

First molecular-based detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus in the field-collected houseflies

“…In 2000, the laboratory transmission of turkey Coronavirus was evaluated by a species of beetle called Alphitobius diaperinus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). The results showed that turkey coronavirus can be transmitted mechanically, in a limited way, by this insect 13 .…”

Use of insects for food and feed : scientific overview of the present knowledge on insect rearing, use of residual streams as substrates, and safety aspects

“…However, the virus, if present in beetle guts and on the whole beetle was not viable after 12 hours, indicating that A. diaperinus can be involved in transmission of TCV when an active outbreaks occurs, but it is less likely that it will play a role in transmission from e.g. contaminated field soils (Watson, Guy, & Stringham, 2000).…”