Viral arthritis/tenosynovitis: a review.

A review if presented of viral arthritis/tenosynovitis, one of the clinical manifestations of avian reovirus infection in chickens. Since the detection of a viral etiology of arthritis/tenosynovitis in 1957, the disease has been reported in various parts of the world. Pathological features of the disease include inflammatory lesions in the extensor and flexor tendons and tendon sheaths of the posterior limbs and in the tibiotarsal joints. Hepatitis, myocarditis, hydropericardium, as well as intestinal and respiratory tract involvement are described in association with avian reovirus infection. The epizootiology, horizontal and vertical transmission of reovirus, as well as the role of maternal immunity and its application in breeder vaccination for the control of viral arthritis/tenosynovitis are described.