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Proliferative pododermatitis associated with virus-like particles in a northern gannet
P Y Daoust1, D Wadowska, F Kibenge
1Department of Pathology & Microbiology, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Canada. daoust@upei.ca
Journal of Wildlife Diseases
|May 17, 2000
Summary
Researchers observed unusual virus-like particles in proliferative lesions on a northern gannet. These papovavirus-like particles, potentially a novel avian polyomavirus or papillomavirus, were not definitively identified in this seabird species.
Area of Science:
- Avian pathology
- Veterinary virology
- Marine wildlife health
Background:
- Pododermatitis, an inflammation of the foot, can affect various avian species.
- Northern gannets (Morus bassanus) are large seabirds susceptible to various health issues, particularly when emaciated.
- Papovaviridae is a family of viruses that includes polyomaviruses and papillomaviruses, known to infect various animal hosts.
Observation:
- Small, multifocal lesions of proliferative pododermatitis were identified in an emaciated adult male northern gannet.
- Ultrastructural examination of these lesions revealed numerous virus-like particles.
- The particles' size and morphology were consistent with those belonging to the Papovaviridae family.
Findings:
- Despite characteristic morphology, specific identification of the virus was not achieved.
- DNA in situ hybridization assays for avian polyomavirus and papillomavirus were negative.
- Immunohistochemical tests for papillomaviral antigen also yielded negative results, failing to confirm the suspected viral agents.
Implications:
- This study reports the potential presence of papovavirus-like particles in northern gannets for the first time.
- The findings suggest a possible novel viral agent or an unusual manifestation of known viruses in this avian species.
- Further research is warranted to characterize these virus-like particles and their etiological role in avian pododermatitis.