Fowl adenovirus-induced diseases: analyses of major capsid proteins and vaccine strategies

Fowl adenoviruses (FAdVs), belonging to the family Adenoviridae, pose an increasing threat to the poultry industry worldwide. An emerging trend of FAdV-associated diseases such as inclusion body hepatitis (IBH) and hepatitis hydropericardium syndrome (HHS) has caused significant economic losses to the poultry industry in the last two decades globally. This review mainly focuses on the molecular analysis of the FAdV major capsid proteins and their role in the development of vaccine candidates and anti-FAdV agents. Moreover, this review encompasses a general overview of the contemporary local and global scenarios of IBH, HPS and Gizzard erosion, and also covers control strategies. Significant progress has been made on the vaccine development front to prevent IBH and HPS. However, efforts should also be focused on devising control strategies for other diseases, especially gizzard erosion which is currently spreading in several countries. This review enhances our understanding of FAdV-associated diseases and strategies to control FAdV associated outbreaks.