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Reovirus infection in psittacine birds (Psittacus erithacus): morphologic and immunohistochemical study
P J Sánchez-Cordón1, J Hervás, F Chacón de Lara
1Departamento de Anatomía Patológica, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Córdoba, Spain.
Avian Diseases
|June 14, 2002
Summary
An outbreak of reovirus, Pacheco disease, and mycosis in African grey parrots caused high morbidity and mortality. Reovirus infection was common and may have initiated the outbreak, facilitating other infections.
Area of Science:
- Avian pathology
- Veterinary virology
Background:
- African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus) are susceptible to various infectious diseases.
- Outbreaks in avian populations can lead to significant morbidity and mortality.
Observation:
- An outbreak affecting young African grey parrots presented with depression, diarrhea, and respiratory symptoms.
- High morbidity (80%) and mortality (30%) were recorded in the affected batch.
Findings:
- Avian reovirus, Pacheco disease (herpesvirus), and mycosis (Aspergillus spp., Zygomyces spp.) were identified.
- Reovirus infection was prevalent in all affected birds, with viral antigen found in lymphoid organs, spleen, and pancreas.
- Lymphoid organs showed severe lymphocyte depletion, indicating significant immune compromise.
Implications:
- Reovirus infection is suggested as the primary trigger for the outbreak, potentially compromising the immune system.
- The findings highlight the complex interplay of viral and fungal infections in avian disease outbreaks.
- Understanding these pathogen interactions is crucial for preventing and controlling future outbreaks in psittacine birds.