Turkey coronavirus

Turkey coronaviruses are members of the Coronaviridae family and infect turkey, especially poults, leading to gastrointestinal disease. The viruses are also known as: Turkey Enteritis Virus, Bluecomb Disease Virus, or Turkey Coronaviral Enteritis. Transmission is horizontal via the faeces, and can be direct or indirectly spread by fomites.

Disease has been noted in North America, Europe and Brazil.

Avian infectious bronchitis is a closely related disease.

Clinical signs and diagnosis

Gastrointestinal disease appears as diarrhoea, anorexia and lethargy. Most of the birds in a group are usually affected and their overall appearance is of darkened skin and ruffled feathers.

In the USA, Turkey coronavirus is one of the pathogens responsible for the Poult Enteritis and Mortality Syndrome (PEMS) in birds up to 1 month of age.

Mortality can be high in poults.

Recovered birds are immune for life but may become carriers.

Necropsy, histology, indirect immunofluorescence, immunoperoxidase staining, ELISA and PCR can all be used for diagnosis.

Treatment and control

Supportive therapy can be given, including: heat lamps, antibiotics, milk replacer.

As the virus persists in the flock, farms should be depopulated, following an outbreak.