Abstract   

    To determine the post-infection tissue dissemination pattern of Avian Adenovirus-4 (AA V-4), the virus was inoculated in broilers via subcut or oral routes. The birds were sacrificed at 12 hour interval and their organs were examined by indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) assay for the presence of viral antigen. A distinct variation in the virus retention pattern in different organs of the inoculated birds was observed, Both the kidneys and liver in the inoculated birds showed the persistence of AA V-4 beyond 60 hours post inoculation. Histopathological studies revealed basophilic intranuclear inclusions in liver and kidneys, and also showed a low level of inflammatory cell infiltration in these organs.    

Key words: Avian Adeno-virus, hydropericardium syndrome, post infection, dessemination pattern.