Characteristics and Serologic Studies of Two Serotypes of Infectious Bursal Disease Virus in Turkeys

Two serotypes of infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) were distinguished using the virus-neutralization test. An IBDV isolate from chickens, two commercial IBDV vaccine viruses, and an IBDV isolate from turkeys were designated serotype I. Two IBDV isolates from turkeys were designated serotype II. A common antigen shared by serotype I and serotype II viruses was detected using an indirect immunofluorescent assay. The virions of both IBDV serotypes were determined to be nonenveloped icosahedrons with diameters ranging from 58 to 60 nm. The virion densities of one serotype I isolate and two serotype II isolates were similar (1.32 g/ml). Twenty-three turkey breeder flocks and 22 commercial turkey flocks from Ohio, North Carolina, and Indiana were tested for antibodies to the two IBDV serotypes. Seventy percent of the 23 breeder flocks had antibody titers to serotype I, and 75% had antibody titers to serotype II. None of the 22 commercial flocks had antibodies to serotype I, and 77% had antibody titers to serotype II. Antibodies to serotype I were detected only in breeder flocks that were vaccinated using a commercial serotype I IBDV vaccine. Only antibodies to serotype II viruses were naturally widespread in the flocks tested.