Detection of Newcastle disease virus in the reproductive system of artificially infected ducks

To dectect Newcastle disease virus(NDV) in duck reproductive system,a total of 42 twenty-eight week old Cherry valley ducks were divided into 3 groups which included female duck group(A),drake group(B) and control group(C).The ducks in A and B groups were experimental infected with duck-origin NDV SDFCH strain and the ovarian tissues,follicles and fallopian tube of female ducks and testis,vas deferens and semen of drakes were collected every other day post inoculation(p.i.).The examination results shown that NDV was detected in these tissue samples by RT-PCR for F gene amplification and the virus was distribuated in ciliated cells of the ciliated columnar epithelium of oviduct and secretory cells examined by indirect immunofluorescence assay with anti-NDV F protein monoclonal antibody.Whether the virus could be passed to ducklings via fertilized eggs by albumen and semen excretion needs to further study.