Investigation of four enteric viruses in diarrheic ducks in Egypt during 2021-2022

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine viruses associated with gastrointestinal illnesses in ducks collected from four governorates in Egypt (Sharkia, Gharbia, Dakahlia, and Qaliobia) during 2021-2022. These ducks underwent comprehensive clinical examinations and post-mortem analyses. All the flocks exhibited various forms of diarrhea. Additionally, 59.5% of the duck flocks manifested respiratory symptoms, while 57 % showed uneven growth, locomotory dysfunction (42.8%). Post-mortem findings consistently included enteritis in all examined flocks. To directly identify viruses associated with digestive illnesses, 42 aseptic intestine samples were obtained from recently deceased or sacrificed ducks. PCR analysis identified four positive samples out of the 42 (9.5%), with one containing Avian Rotavirus (AvRV) and three carrying Muscovy Duck Parvovirus (MDPV). Additionally, histopathological examination of the liver and intestine from PCR-positive flocks showed findings consistent with those typically observed in MDPV infections. This study concluded that the primary viruses associated with digestive illnesses in Egyptian ducks are MDPV and AvRV. Importantly, this research represents the first-ever detection of Rotavirus in ducks in Egypt.