Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 20, 2026
Avian Influenza Surveillance with FTA Cards: Field Methods, Biosafety, and Transportation Issues Solved
Published on: August 2, 2011
Detection of pigeon circovirus in cloacal swabs: implications for diagnosis, epidemiology and control
D Todd1, J-P Duchatel, J C Bustin
1Veterinary Sciences Division, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development for Northern Ireland, Stormont, Belfast BT4 3SD.
Abstract:
Pigeon circovirus (picv) was detected in cloacal swab samples by means of a newly-developed, sensitive pcr. An initial investigation of 17 Belgian racing pigeons aged up to eight months showed that rates of detection of 88 per cent and above were achieved using samples of cloacal swab, blood and bursa of Fabricius. The sampling of 15 caged pigeons six times when they were from three to 31 weeks of age indicated that picv infections were more readily detected in cloacal swabs than in blood, and that the virus could be detected in cloacal swabs for longer periods after infection than in blood. picv infections were detected in cloacal swabs from 38 of 47 young pigeons aged from two to 31 weeks, from 12 racing lofts, which had clinical signs including diarrhoea and weight loss, regurgitation and respiratory signs. Samples from birds from two infected lofts indicated that picv could be detected in some birds for at least 27 weeks. Although nine of 14 pigeons aged from 32 to 45 weeks were virus-positive, picv was detected in only one of 18 adult pigeons that originated from four infected lofts.
Insights
Pigeon circovirus (picv) is prevalent in young racing pigeons, with cloacal swabs proving most effective for detection. This sensitive PCR method aids in identifying picv infections for extended periods, crucial for flock health management.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Avian Pathology
Background:
- Pigeon circovirus (picv) is a pathogen affecting racing pigeons.
- Early detection methods for picv are essential for managing flock health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a sensitive PCR assay for picv detection.
- To investigate the prevalence and shedding patterns of picv in racing pigeons.
Main Methods:
- A novel, sensitive PCR assay was developed for picv detection.
- Cloacal swabs, blood, and bursa of Fabricius samples were analyzed.
- Longitudinal sampling was performed on caged and racing pigeons.
Main Results:
- High detection rates (≥88%) of picv were observed in cloacal swabs, blood, and bursa of Fabricius.
- Cloacal swabs showed higher sensitivity and longer detection periods for picv compared to blood.
- Picv infections were frequently detected in young pigeons (2-31 weeks) with clinical signs, persisting for at least 27 weeks in some cases.
- Adult pigeons (32-45 weeks) showed lower picv detection rates.
Conclusions:
- The developed PCR assay is highly sensitive for picv detection in racing pigeons.
- Cloacal swabs are the preferred sample type for picv diagnosis due to sensitivity and duration of detection.
- Picv infection is common in young racing pigeons and can persist for extended periods, impacting flock health.
More Related Videos
08:46Rapid Diagnosis of Avian Influenza Virus in Wild Birds: Use of a Portable rRT-PCR and Freeze-dried Reagents in the Field
Published on: August 2, 2011
08:08qPCR Is a Sensitive and Rapid Method for Detection of Cytomegaloviral DNA in Formalin-fixed, Paraffin-embedded Biopsy Tissue
Published on: July 9, 2014
Related Concept Videos
01:27Cytomegalovirus Disease
01:17Poliomyelitis