A Survey of a Mixed Species Aviary Provides New Insights into the Pathogenicity, Diversity, Evolution, Host Range, and Distribution of Psittacine and Passerine Adenoviruses.

A Survey of a Mixed Species Aviary Provides New Insights into the Pathogenicity, Diversity, Evolution, Host Range, and Distribution of Psittacine and Passerine Adenoviruses. Avian Pathol. 2019 May 13;:1-25 Authors: Phalen DN, Agius J, Vaz FF, Eden JS, Setyo LC, Donahoe S Abstract A Bourke's parrot (Neopsephotus bourkii) originating from an aviary in Australia containing two species of parrots, five species of finch and a species of dove was presented for necropsy. The Bourke's parrot died from gastritis caused by Macrorhabdus ornithogaster, but also had an interstitial nephritis and ureteritis with adenovirus-like inclusion bodies within collecting duct epithelial cells. The adenovirus causing the lesions was shown to be Psittacine Adenovirus-2 (PsAdV-2) using a PCR assay specific for adenoviruses and sequencing of amplicons. A survey of droppings from other birds in the aviary using the same PCR assay with amplicon sequencing found a high prevalence of infection of PsAdV-2 in Bourke and scarlet-chested parrots (Neophema splendida). PsAdV-2 was also present in droppings from a Namaqua dove (Oena capensis). Gouldian finches (Erythrura gouldiae), red-billed firefinches (Lagonosticta senegala), and red-throated parrot finches (Erythrura psittacea) were shedding Gouldian Finch Adenovirus-1 (GFAdV-1). Two novel adenoviruses, an atadenovirus and a siadenovirus were detected in the droppings from long-tailed finches (Poephila acuticauda). K...
Source: Avian Pathology - Category: Pathology Authors: Tags: Avian Pathol Source Type: research