Lack of Pathogenicity of Five Serotype 2 Infectious Bursal Disease Viruses in Chickens

The pathogenic potential of five strains of serotype 2 infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) for specific-pathogen-free chickens was examined. There were no gross or microscopic lesions in the inoculated chickens. Bursa-to-body-weight ratios of IBDV-infected chickens were not significantly different from those of uninfected controls. Virus-neutralizing antibodies to IBDV of serotype 2, but not serotype 1, were detected in infected chickens. This study indicated that the serotype 2 viruses examined were infectious but not pathogenic in chickens.