The Relationship Between the Lesser Mealworm 1 and Avian Viruses. 1. Reovirus 24 2

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Abstract
Laboratory studies were conducted to determine the importance of Alphitobius diaperinus Panzer as a potential carrier and possible disseminator of reovirus 24 within poultry environments. The virus survived within the lesser mealworm for at least 9 days when fed infected chorioallantoic membrane for 2 days, followed by a 9-day starvation period. The titer, however, decreased with time. Reovirus 24 also survived the metamorphosis of the insect but the concentration of the virus in the newly emerged adults was relatively low. Artificially infected mealwomls successfully contaminated a mixture of poultry litter, feed, and feces, and this mixture remained contaminated for 7 days. The excrement of infected mealworms was the major source of contamination for at least 3 days. When mealworms free of reovirus 24 were exposed to the infected mixture of litter, feed, and feces, the virus was recovered from the insects following the 1st day of feeding. However, the titer of the virus within the adults never increased in spite of its high concentration in the infected medium. Reovirus 24 could not be detected in these insects 5 days after exposure. In general, the lesser meal worm is a relatively ineffective carrier of reovirus 24, even when exposed to highly infected sources.

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