Related Experiment Videos
Avian paramyxovirus serotype 1 (Newcastle disease virus)--infections in falcons
U Wernery1, J D Remple, U Neumann
1Central Veterinary Research Laboratory and Falcon Hospital, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Abstract:
From eight falcons and one pigeon which died from NDV over a period of 15 months in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, PMV-1 viruses were isolated on quail embryo cell cultures. The identification of all 9 strains were achieved with the haemagglutination inhibition test against polyclonal chicken PMV-1 antiserum, against mouse monoclonal antibodies as well as with the immunoperoxidase test. Intracerebral pathogenicity index and intravenous pathogenicity index tests were also carried out. Although the virus isolates in this study fell into two distinct groups, the overall clinical symptoms displayed by the falcons tailed to demonstrate any trends or specificity unique to a group. The isolate obtained from a pigeon was similar to the isolates from one group of the falcons and showed no identity with the pigeon variant virus.
Insights
Newcastle disease virus (NDV) strains were isolated from falcons and a pigeon in Dubai. The NDV-1 isolates showed distinct groupings but similar clinical signs in falcons.
Area of Science:
- Avian Virology
- Disease Surveillance
- Wildlife Health
Background:
- Newcastle disease virus (Paramyxoviridae family, Avulavirus genus) poses a significant threat to poultry and wild birds.
- Outbreaks in non-poultry species like falcons can indicate broader circulation and potential for spillover.
- Surveillance in diverse avian populations is crucial for understanding virus evolution and epidemiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize Newcastle disease virus (NDV) strains from falcons and pigeons that died in Dubai.
- To investigate the genetic and pathogenic properties of these NDV isolates.
- To compare NDV strains from falcons with known pigeon variants.
Main Methods:
- Virus isolation was performed on quail embryo cell cultures.
- Virus identification utilized hemagglutination inhibition tests with polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies.
- Immunoperoxidase tests were employed for further characterization.
- Pathogenicity was assessed using intracerebral and intravenous pathogenicity index tests.
Main Results:
- Nine strains of avian paramyxovirus type 1 (APMV-1), the causative agent of Newcastle disease, were isolated from eight falcons and one pigeon.
- Virus isolates clustered into two distinct groups based on serological and potentially genetic analyses.
- Clinical signs in falcons did not clearly correlate with the distinct virus groups.
- The pigeon isolate showed similarity to one falcon isolate group and no identity with known pigeon variant viruses.
Conclusions:
- The study identified distinct NDV-1 strains circulating in falcons and pigeons in Dubai.
- Despite distinct groupings, falcons exhibited non-specific clinical signs.
- Findings highlight the importance of monitoring NDV in non-traditional hosts like falcons for effective disease control.