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Avian metapneumovirus subtype B experimental infection and tissue distribution in chickens, sparrows, and pigeons
1Department of Pathology and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan 22110, Jordan. saadgh@just.edu.jo
Abstract:
Avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) is a respiratory virus that infects a range of avian hosts, including chickens and turkeys. Migratory and local wild birds are implicated in aMPV spread among farms, countries, and seasonal outbreaks of the disease. A subtype B aMPV isolate from commercial chicken flocks suffering from respiratory disease was experimentally inoculated oculonasally into 7-week old chickens, young pigeons, and sparrows. Chickens showed minimal tracheal rales, whereas pigeons and sparrows were asymptomatic. Shedding of aMPV was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction on homogenates from nasal turbinates. At 5 days postinfection, 5 of 5 chickens, 2 of 5 pigeons, and 1 of 5 sparrows were positive; at 10 or 15 days, none were positive. At 2 and 5 days, aMPV antigens were localized at the ciliated boarder of respiratory epithelium in nasal cavity and trachea of chickens, as well as to the conjunctival epithelium. Pigeons had detectable viral antigens in only the trachea at 2 and 5 days; sparrow tissues did not show any positive staining. At the end of the experiment, at 21 days postinfection, 14 of 15 inoculated chickens seroconverted against aMPV, but none of the inoculated pigeons or sparrows did. The authors believe that pigeons and sparrows have the ability to transmit the virus between chicken farms, although they do not consider pigeons and sparrows as natural hosts for aMPV, given that they failed to seroconvert. In conclusion, pigeons and sparrows are partially susceptible to aMPV infection, probably acting more as mechanical vectors because infection is only temporary and short-lived.
Insights
Pigeons and sparrows can carry avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) between poultry farms, but they are not natural hosts. These birds show mild symptoms and temporary infection, suggesting they act as mechanical vectors for the respiratory virus.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Avian Pathology
- Disease Transmission
Background:
- Avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) causes respiratory illness in poultry.
- Wild birds are suspected of spreading aMPV between farms and during seasonal outbreaks.
- Understanding the role of non-poultry avian species in aMPV transmission is crucial for disease control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally assess the susceptibility and transmission potential of a subtype B aMPV in chickens, pigeons, and sparrows.
- To investigate the clinical signs, viral shedding, antigen distribution, and serological response in these avian species after inoculation.
- To determine if pigeons and sparrows can act as reservoirs or mechanical vectors for aMPV.
Main Methods:
- Subtype B aMPV was inoculated oculonasally into 7-week-old chickens, young pigeons, and sparrows.
- Clinical signs, viral shedding (RT-PCR), viral antigen presence (immunohistochemistry), and seroconversion (ELISA) were monitored post-inoculation.
- Tissues from the respiratory tract and conjunctiva were examined for viral antigens.
Main Results:
- Chickens exhibited mild respiratory signs and shed aMPV for up to 5 days; pigeons and sparrows showed minimal to no symptoms.
- Viral antigens were detected in the respiratory and conjunctival epithelium of chickens, trachea of pigeons, but not in sparrows.
- Only chickens seroconverted, while pigeons and sparrows did not, indicating a lack of sustained infection in these species.
Conclusions:
- Pigeons and sparrows are partially susceptible to aMPV infection, with temporary viral shedding and antigen presence.
- These species likely act as mechanical vectors rather than natural hosts, potentially facilitating virus spread between commercial chicken flocks.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the role of wild birds in aMPV epidemiology and transmission dynamics.
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