The Epidemiology of Yucaipa Virus in Relationship to the Acute Respiratory Disease Syndrome in Turkeys

A viral agent identified as the paramyxovirus Yucaipa was isolated in Utah from a turkey with an acute respiratory disease. This disease is referred to as turkey coryza or the acute respiratory disease syndrome (ARDS) of turkeys. Widespread outbreaks of ARDS occurred in the Sanpete Valley of Utah in 1976 and 1977. Acute and convalescent serum samples were collected from 12 flocks of turkeys experiencing ARDS and from 20 flocks in which no respiratory disease was seen. All serum samples were assayed for hemagglutination-inhibition antibodies against the isolated Yucaipa virus. Antibodies against the Yucaipa virus were widespread in most flocks but showed no correlation with the outbreaks of ARDS.