Fowl adenovirus (FAdV) infection poses a significant threat to poultry production, causing inclusion body hepatitis (IBH) and hydropericardium syndrome (HPS), resulting in high mortality and economic losses. The WIXBIO adenovirus series utilizes advanced cell suspension culture technology and recombinant Fiber-2 protein expression to provide broad-spectrum, safe, and effective protection. This document outlines FAdV etiology, epidemiology, control measures, and WIXBIO product characteristics to support adenovirus-free poultry production.
Etiological Characteristics of FAdV
FAdV belongs to the genus Aviadenovirus in the family Adenoviridae. The virion is non-enveloped, 70–90 nm in diameter, and icosahedral. The capsid comprises 252 capsomers (240 hexons and 12 pentons), each with two fiber protrusions. The core contains double-stranded DNA (60–65 nm) and nucleoproteins.
Resistance:
- Resistant to ether, chloroform, trypsin, and lipid solvents.
- Stable at pH 3–9; survives 60°C for 30 minutes or 50°C for 2 hours.
- Remains viable at room temperature for 6 months; inactivated by boiling for 5 minutes or 1:1000 formaldehyde.
Serological Classification and Clinical Signs
| Host | Genus/Species | Serotype | Primary Clinical Syndrome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken | Aviadenovirus A | FAdV-1 | Inclusion body hepatitis (IBH) |
| Aviadenovirus B | FAdV-5 | IBH | |
| Aviadenovirus C | FAdV-4, FAdV-10 | Hydropericardium syndrome (HPS) | |
| Aviadenovirus D | FAdV-2, 3, 9, 11 | IBH | |
| Aviadenovirus E | FAdV-6, 7, 8a, 8b | IBH | |
| Goose | Goose Aviadenovirus | GoAdV-1, 2, 3 | – |
| Duck | Unclassified | DAdV-2 | Duck white liver disease |
| Pigeon | PiAdV-1 | – | – |
| Turkey | TAdV-1, 2 | – | – |
| Parrot | PsAdV-1, 2 | – | – |
Prevalent strains: Group I, primarily FAdV-C4, E8b, and D11.
Gross lesions:
- HPS: Pericardial effusion >5 mL, enlarged liver (rounded edges, hemorrhage, jaundice), enlarged kidneys (hemorrhage, jaundice), hemorrhage at proventriculus-gizzard junction.
- IBH: Enlarged, jaundiced, hemorrhagic liver with multiple necrotic foci; friable texture.
General Control Measures
- Introduction management: Source chicks from FAdV-negative breeder flocks; implement strict all-in/all-out systems to prevent vertical transmission.
- Biosecurity:
- Thorough cleaning and disinfection before chick placement (1% peracetic acid + 5% potassium monopersulfate compound powder).
- Routine environmental disinfection after placement; maintain ammonia <10 ppm.
- Control of immunosuppressive diseases: Prioritize prevention of infectious bursal disease (IBD), chicken anemia virus (CAV), reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV), and mycotoxin exposure to avoid co-infections.
Treatment Protocol
Upon confirmation, administer WIXBIO type-specific fowl adenovirus antibody emergently:
- Dose: ≥1 mL per 0.5 kg body weight (intramuscular injection).
- Supportive therapy: Broad-spectrum antibiotic (e.g., enrofloxacin 10 mg/kg) to control secondary bacterial infections.
- Outcome: Mortality reduction of 80% within 24–48 hours.
WIXBIO Vaccine Immunization Schedules
Layer/Breeder Chickens
| Age (days) | Vaccine Combination (choose one) | Dose (mL/bird) | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7–10 | ND+IB+AI+IBD+FAdV | 0.2–0.3 | Subcutaneous (neck) |
| ND+AI+IBD+FAdV | |||
| ND+AI+FAdV | |||
| 40 | ND+IB+AI+FAdV | 0.5 | Intramuscular or subcutaneous |
| ND+AI+FAdV | |||
| ND+AI+IC+FAdV | |||
| 90–100 | ND+AI+IBD+FAdV | 0.5 | Intramuscular |
| ND+IB+EDS+AI+FAdV | |||
| ND+AI+IC+FAdV |
Broiler Chickens
| Age (days) | Vaccine Combination (choose one) | Dose (mL/bird) | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7–10 | ND+AI+IBD+FAdV | 0.2–0.3 | Subcutaneous (neck) |
| ND+IB+AI+IBD |
Administration: Store vaccine at 2–8°C. Pre-warm in 40°C water bath for 30 minutes to 25–30°C, shake well. At 21 days post-vaccination, collect blood and perform ELISA (target titer ≥1:128).
WIXBIO Product Characteristics
- Advanced technology: Dual-core platform combining adenovirus cell suspension culture and E. coliexpressed recombinant Fiber-2 protein, increasing antigen yield threefold.
- High purity and safety: Free of miscellaneous proteins, imported oil adjuvant, no stress response, no swelling at the injection site.
- Broad-spectrum and long-lasting: Selected FAdV-4, 8a, 8b, and 11 strains in scientific ratios; Fiber-2 induces high-titer neutralizing antibodies and specific cellular immunity. No interference in multivalent vaccines; challenge protection rate ≥95%.
- Field validation: 2025 East China pilot farms reported a 90% reduction in HPS/IBH incidence and mortality <2%.
Field Cases
- Success: A 100,000-bird broiler farm administered WIXBIO ND+AI+IBD+FAdV vaccine at 7 days. Antibody titer at 21 days reached 1:256; adenovirus infection rate decreased from 15% to 1%; economic benefit increased by 20%.
- Comparison: An unvaccinated farm experienced an HPS outbreak with 12% mortality and losses exceeding CNY 500,000.
Conclusion
The WIXBIO adenovirus series achieves adenovirus-free production through advanced manufacturing, purified antigens, and broad-spectrum protection. Combined with negative-source introduction, stringent biosecurity, and precise immunization, FAdV infection can be effectively controlled. Farms are advised to establish standardized immunization programs, regularly monitor antibody levels, and use WIXBIO type-specific antibodies for emergency treatment to safeguard flock health.
References:
- OIE. Manual of Diagnostic Tests for Terrestrial Animals, 2023.
- WIXBIO. Adenovirus Series Product Technical Report, 2025.
