Responses of isolator-derived Japanese quail and quail cell cultures to selected animal viruses.

Thirteen oncogenic and necrotizing animal viruses were assayed in LIFE Sciences, Inc. (LSI)-specific pathogen-free Japanese quail and LSI-specific pathogen-free chicken embryo cell cultures. Nine viruses produced similar titers in the quail and chicken cell systems, whereas four viruses showed significantly higher titers in chickens. Young Japanese quail and chickens were inoculated with five selected avain viruses and maintained in stainless-steel isolators. Comparable responses were noted in quail and chickens injected with Newcastle disease virus and avain leukosis virus, but quail were significantly more resistant than chickens to fowl pox virus, laryngotracheitis virus, and Marek's disease herpesvirus. Although no overt symptoms of disease were observed in Japanese quail inoculated with most avain viruses, neutralizing antibody or virus was detected, indicating presence of an inapparent infection. In one experiment, neutralizing antibody was detected in a comparable number of quail and chickens after inoculation with avian leukosis virus. Avian leukosis virus viremia was observed at 12 and 70 days postinoculation, with the COFAL (complement fixation for avian leukosis) titers similar for quail and chickens. Most quail infected with Marek's disease herpesvirus produced neutralizing antibody within 70 days but showed no classical symptoms of Marek's disease even when held for 5 months. In contrast, all chickens inoculated with Marek's disease herpesvirus died within 20 days. The utility of quail embryo cell cultured in the preparation of vaccines and biological reagents is discussed.