Detection of anti-avian bornavirus antibodies in parrots in the Czech Republic and Slovakia

Abstract

Since the avian bornavirus (ABV) aetiology of the proventricular dilatation disease (PDD) was proven in 2008, ABV has been detected in many avian species. The aim of the present study was to detect ABV antibodies in parrots in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. A total of 142 birds were examined, including 37 birds with symptoms typical for PDD, 54 birds without PDD symptoms, and 51 parrots without any clinical symptoms of PDD but originating from one flock with a proven history of PDD. Sera from 142 birds were tested using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detection of antibodies against ABV nucleoprotein p40. Of 142 serum samples, 71 were positive (50%) and 71 negative (50%). In a group of birds with clinical symptoms of PDD, 77.1% showed to be ABV positive, whereas in the group of sick birds without suspicion of PDD the percentage of positive birds was 31.6%. In the birds that had a cage mate that was positive for ABV or died with PDD, 42.9% were ABV positive. Of the parrots without PDD symptoms but originating from the flock with a recent history of PDD, 62.8% of the birds were positive for antibodies against ABV nucleoprotein p40. The results suggest that PDD is common and there is a high percentage of asymptomatic carriers of ABV in the breeding facilities of parrots in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.