Serological Investigations on Reticuloendotheliosis in Turkey Flocks

Abstract

Four meat turkey and one turkey breeding¯ocks were surveyed for antibodies against reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV) at different intervals using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. In addition, serum samples collected from 18¯ocks at different ages were also tested for antibodies against REV. No antibodies were detected in any of the four meat turkey¯ocks that were surveyed. In the breeder¯ock, 20 % of tested samples from 1-day-old poults were positive. Between the fourth and 12th weeks all samples that were tested yielded negative results. At 16 weeks of age 15 % of samples yielded a positive reaction, but antibodies could not be detected 4 weeks later. Examination of serum samples from 18 different¯ocks at various ages revealed that antibodies could be detected in ®ve¯ocks. The percentage of positive sera per¯ock ranged between 10 and 40 %.