Duck Plague Virus Replication in Muscovy Duck Fibroblast Cells

Duck embryo fibroblast cell cultures from seven species of ducks were compared for virus yield, plaque quality, and sensitivity to infection by the duck plague herpesvirus (duck virus enteritis). Muscovy duck and wood duck cells gave the best results for virus yield and plaque quality, but muscovies were considered superior because they are more available than wood ducks. Pintails and lesser scaup gave the poorest results, and pekin duck, black duck, and redhead duck were intermediate. A growth curve for the virus, determined in muscovy cells, had a latent period of six hours and a maximum new virus titer reached at 36 hours. Because of their superior plaque production and ability to replicate the virus, muscovy embryo fibroblasts (MCE) are recommended for diagnostic and research work.