Rotaviruses are divided into seven (A–G) morphologically
indistinguishable, but antigenically distinct,
serogroups based on the serological characteristics of
VP6 (Estes and Kapikian 2007; Saif and Jiang 1994).
Serogroup A rotaviruses are well characterized
because they are the major cause of gastrointestinal
disease in humans and animals. Groups B and C rotaviruses
have been detected sporadically in animals and
humans, but group C rotaviruses are becoming more
common as a cause of diarrhea in suckling pigs under
1 week of age (Rossow et al. 2010). Group E rotaviruses
have only been detected in pigs in the United Kingdom
(Chasey et al. 1986), and groups D, F, and G have been
detected in avian species.