Isolation, Identification, and Pathogenicity of an Avian Reovirus Epidemic Strain in Xinjiang, China

To investigate the prevalence and pathogenic characteristics of avian reovirus (ARV) in the Xinjiang region of China, this study collected suspected joint tissue samples from broiler farms across different areas of the Taikun Group. The samples were subjected to virus isolation, RT-PCR analysis, sequence analysis, in vitro replication assays, and pathogenicity assessments in specific pathogen-free (SPF) chicken embryos and chickens. The results revealed the isolation of a chicken-derived ARV epidemic strain, designated as ARV xj-1.1. The virus-induced cytopathic effects (CPEs) in LMH cells and the time required to observe CPEs significantly decreased with serial blind passages. Pathogenicity testing demonstrated that ARV xj-1.1 is highly virulent to SPF chicken embryos and chickens. Inoculation of SPF chicken embryos resulted in a 100% mortality rate, while inoculation of 1-day-old SPF chicks caused significant swelling of the footpads. In conclusion, this study successfully isolated an epidemic strain of avian reovirus, providing a valuable theoretical basis for understanding the genetic evolution and epidemiology of ARV variants in the Xinjiang region.