Viral arthritis (poultry)

Viral arthritis is an infectious disease in poultry, such as chickens and turkeys, caused by Avian reovirus.

[1] Arthritis and tenosynovitis are the main signs of Avian reovirus infection in chickens, although the virus can cause other signs.

[2] The prominent sign is swelling of the digital flexor and metatarsal extensor tendons.

The hock joint itself is not so sharply affected, showing just a small amount of synovial exsudate when opened.

[3] Vaccination is the primary method used to control this disease.