Diagnosis of Duckling Short Beak and Dwarfism Syndrome by Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay

An indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) was established using the monoclonal antibodies (Mab E16) against goose parvovirus (GPV) for identification of the short beak and dwarfism syndrome (SBDS)-GPV in ducks. Liver, spleen, kidney and pancreas of the ducklings challenged with SBDS-GPV and the natural infection cases were tested by the new IFA methodology. The results showed that the newly developed IFA was specific, giving positive reaction to GPV only and negative to other viruses of MPV, MDRV, NDRV, DHV, DPV and PMV. Five out of 5 challenged cases and 11 out of 12 natural infection cases showed a positive reaction with bright green fluorescence glow on IFA. Consequently, the new method could be applicable for detecting and diagnosing SBDS in ducks with high specificity, accuracy and rapidity.