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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Athens, Georgia » U.S. National Poultry Research Center » Exotic & Emerging Avian Viral Diseases Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #427044
Research Project: Control Strategies to Prevent and Respond to Diseases Outbreaks Caused by Avian Influenza Viruses

Location: Exotic & Emerging Avian Viral Diseases Research

Title: Lack of avian metapneumovirus subtype A & B detection in eggs from virus-positive commercial turkey breeders supports premise that vertical transmission does not contribute to virus spread

Author
item JONGSUK, MO - Orise Fellow
item BRIGGS, KELSEY - Orise Fellow
item Sweeney, Ryan
item PARKER, MOLLY - Select Genetics
item CARLSON, JAKE - Select Genetics
item Suarez, David
item Kapczynski, Darrell

Submitted to: Avian Diseases
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/13/2025
Publication Date: 2/4/2026
Citation: Jongsuk, M., Briggs, K., Sweeney, R.P., Parker, M., Carlson, J., Suarez, D.L., Kapczynski, D.R. 2026. Lack of avian metapneumovirus subtype A & B detection in eggs from virus-positive commercial turkey breeders supports premise that vertical transmission does not contribute to virus spread. Avian Diseases. Volume 69, Issue S1.

Interpretive Summary: Avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) is responsible for a highly infectious respiratory disease of chickens and turkeys. Recently, introduction of these viruses in the U.S. has resulted in significant economic impacts to the turkey industry. The mechanisms for the virus to transmit between geographic areas are unknown. In an effort to assist the poultry industry, we examined whether the virus could be spread from hen to egg. The results of testing eggs recovered from infected hens demonstrated no presence of aMPV on or within the turkey embryo. These results demonstrate a lack of virus transmission which provides data for safe movement of turkey eggs.

Technical Abstract: Avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) is a globally widespread avian disease capable of causing respiratory disease and contributing to secondary infections resulting in disease and mortality with serious economic losses and productivity primarily in chickens and turkeys The virus is classified into different subtypes, A-D, and historically, the U.S. has only experienced geographically limited outbreaks of subtype C in the late 1990s in turkeys, that was eventually eradicated. In 2024, cases of subtype A and B aMPV were reported in commercial chicken and turkey flocks, marking the first time these subtypes have been detected in the U.S. Although outbreaks of both subtypes A and B have been detected in both chickens and turkeys, turkeys appear to be more susceptible and have a higher morbidity and mortality rate. Currently, a concern for the turkey industry is the possibility of vertical transmission of thevirus from hen to poult. In these studies, we confirmed the presence of aMPV in the respiratory tract of infected commercial turkeys and then examined eggs from aMPV-positive laying hens for presence of viral RNA that might suggest vertical transmission of the virus. Eggs from seven different aMPV-positive commercial turkey flocks were harvested and tested for aMPV subtype A and B via RT-qPCR. Results demonstrate no evidence of viral RNA in any of the egg/embryo samples tested, either inside or on the shell surface. These results provide direct evidence that vertical transmission does not appear to contribute to virus dissemination in commercial turkey flocks.