Monitoring of fowl adenoviruses using environmental samples

In a challenge experiment using HEPA filtered isolators, specific pathogen free (SPF) birds were challenged with Fowl Adenovirus serotype 8 (FAdV-8) and the distribution of the virus in tissues, faeces and environmental samples was studied. A shedding profile for FAdV in faeces and environmental samples was determined. FAdV was detected using a hydrolysis probe-based qPCR assay capable of detecting 5 species of FAdV. Results indicate that FAdV can be readily detected and quantified in environmental samples including litter and dust. A high level of FAdV DNA was also detected from darkling beetle ('Alphitobius diaperinus') adults and nymphs collected from a commercial broiler shed experiencing an outbreak of Inclusion Body Hepatitis (IBH). This is the first report of FAdV detection in poultry shed floor litter and dust. This may open the way to economically feasible routine surveillance of FAdV in poultry flocks using environmental samples which represent viral shedding from a large number of individual birds.