Causes: Rotavirus is a double stranded RNA virus with 11 segments.

Effects: Incubation period is 2-5 days. Subclinical infection (no signs) to severe diarrhoea may be seen. Other signs include dehydration, poor weight gain, increased mortality (4-7%), restlessness, litter eating and watery droppings.

Chickens, turkeys, ducks, pheasants, guinea fowl and pigeons of all ages are susceptible to this acute to chronic disease. The agent involved in the aetiology of the disease is rotavirus, which is a 70 nM-double stranded RNA with 11 segments.

Virus is spread by the faecal-oral route.

(There is a 2-5 day incubation period). Subclinical (no signs) to severe diarrhoea may occur. Other signs include dehydration, poor weight gain, increased mortality (4-7%), restlessness, litter eating and water droppings.

Lesions include abnormal amounts of fluid and gas in the intestinal tract, dehydration, inflamed vents, vent picking and litter in the gizzard.

Diagnosis is by detection of the virus in the faeces using electron microscope and isolation of the virus in cell culture and staining with specific fluorescent conjugated antisera.

It simulates coccidiosis, pale bird syndrome, toxic enteritis, astrovirus, coronavirus and enteric bacteria.

Biosecurity is important. No vaccine is available.

Vitamins, minerals and electrolytes for treating fluid loss are helpful.

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