VIRUSES AND VIRUS-LIKE PARTICLES DETECTED IN SAMPLES FROM DISEASED GAME BIRDS IN GREAT-BRITAIN DURING 1988

During 1988, 108 samples were received from game birds (78 from pheasants, 28 from partridges and two from quail) for virus isolation or detection; 89 being received during the June to August rearing period. The most common clinical signs resulting in the submissions were death, scour and stunting. Virus or virus-like particles were detected in 51 cases, 43 as a result of direct electron microscopy of gut contents, seven by agar gel precipitin test for the presence of Marble spleen disease antigen and one by isolation, of a rotavirus. Particles observed by electron microscopy were: Rotavirus -15, adenovirus -1, reovirus - 1. enterovirus - 1, Timbriated' virus-like particles - 10, rod-shaped virus-like particles - 19. On three occasions more than one type of particle was seen in the same sample. © 1990, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. All rights reserved.