Abstract: Detection of infectious bronchitis virus on and within table shell eggs in shell quality-challenged flocks
Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is regarded as a major pathogen of concern for poor egg-shell quality, particularly in cases of wrinkled shells.
Despite this classic lesion, there is a lack of evidence as to whether IBV remains present on egg shells and interior egg components, particularly those from flocks experiencing shell-quality abnormalities.
This information could present an opportunity to molecularly test for IBV in impacted flocks without the need for obtaining tracheal swabs or tissue samples on farm.
To test this hypothesis, whole eggs from flocks with clinical egg-shell abnormalities were washed with brain-heart-infusion (BHI) broth, which was then tested for IBV with real-time RT-PCR.
Tracheal swab pools were also obtained and similarly tested from each flock. The RT-PCR results from tracheal swabs and egg rinses were correlated for CT values and IBV serotype as identified via the IBV type specific PCR panel.
Interior components of table eggs (albumen, yolk, and shell membranes) were also tested for IBV via RT-PCR. Virus recovered from egg-shell rinses was inoculated into embryonated eggs to test for viability.
Our work indicates that egg-shell rinses may be a viable, accessible testing methodology to identify active IBV infection in egg laying flocks, particularly those experiencing egg quality abnormalities.
Shell and egg contamination with IBV may present a biosecurity risk for poultry companies cross-docking unprocessed eggs at in-line operations.
This study was conducted by Linnea Tracy, Mark Jackwood, Ceva Animal Health; and Dan Wilson, Luke Trimble, Wilson Veterinary Company. It was presented at the 2025 conference of the American Association of Avian Pathologists.
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