Case analysis of avian polyomavirus infection in pyrrhura molinae

Abstract

Objective To confirm pathogens responsible for the mass death of pyrrhura molinae fledglings in a pet parrot farm. Methods The dead fledglings were analyze by clinical anatomy and histopathological observation. The liver tissue was used to extract DNA for the tests of avian polyomavirus (APV), psittacine beak and feather disease, and adenovirus. Results The parrots appeared to have mainly liver necrosis, intestine bleeding and other digestive diseases with certain damage of immune organs like thymus and bursa. The etiological results showed that all the pyrrhura molinae were APV-positive while psittacine beak and feather disease virus and adenovirus remained negative. The sequencing analysis of the PCR products showed that the isolates had the highest homology with the APV predominant in Taiwan. Conclusions The discovery of the case indicated that China should enforce APV detection in pet parrots to prevent the import of infection. The parrot farms should perform disinfection against APV and take effective biosecurity measures to prevent the introduction of the infected parrots. Key words: Pyrrhura molinae hypoxanthas; Budgerigar fledgling disease; Avian polyomavirus