Goose Astrovirus in China: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Goose astroviruses (GoAstVs) are small non-enveloped viruses with a genome consisting of a single-stranded positive-sense RNA molecule. A novel GoAstV was identified in Shandong in 2016 and quickly spread to other provinces in China, causing gout in goslings, with a mortality rate of approximately 50%. GoAstV can also cause gout in chickens and ducks, indicating its ability to cross the species barrier. GoAstV has only been reported in China, where it has caused serious losses to the goose-breeding industry. However, in view of its cross-species transmission ability and pathogenicity in chickens and ducks, GoAstV should be a concern to poultry breeding globally. As an emerging virus, there are few research reports concerning GoAstV. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge about GoAstV, including the epidemiology, evolution analysis, detection methods, pathogenicity, pathogenesis, and potential for cross-species transmission. We also discuss future outlooks and provide recommendations. This review can serve as a valuable reference for further research on GoAstV.