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Rapid Diagnosis of Avian Influenza Virus in Wild Birds: Use of a Portable rRT-PCR and Freeze-dried Reagents in the Field
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Published on: August 2, 2011

The pathogenicity of avian metapneumovirus subtype C wild bird isolates in domestic turkeys

Ra Mi Cha1, Qingzhong Yu, Laszlo Zsak

  • 1Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, 934 College Station Road, Athens, GA 30605, USA.

Virology Journal
|February 1, 2013
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Avian metapneumovirus subtype C (aMPV/C) from wild birds causes severe respiratory illness in turkeys. This study confirms wild aMPV/C isolates can induce typical disease in domestic turkeys, highlighting a potential transmission risk.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Virology
  • Avian Pathology
  • Wildlife Disease Ecology

Background:

  • Avian metapneumovirus subtype C (aMPV/C) is a significant pathogen causing severe upper respiratory disease in turkeys.
  • Previous research indicated the presence of aMPV/C in wild bird populations in the southeastern United States.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the pathogenicity of avian metapneumovirus subtype C (aMPV/C) isolates derived from wild birds in domestic turkeys.
  • To characterize the clinical and virological outcomes following experimental infection with wild bird aMPV/C in turkeys.

Main Methods:

  • Oral swabs from wild American coots (AC) and Canada geese (CG) positive for aMPV/C were passaged three times in specific pathogen-free (SPF) turkeys to generate P3 virus isolates.
  • Three-day-old commercial or SPF turkeys were inoculated oculonasally with the wild bird aMPV/C P3 isolates.
  • Clinical signs, viral RNA detection via RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry for virus replication, and antibody responses were assessed post-inoculation.

Main Results:

  • Wild bird aMPV/C P3 isolates exhibited similar growth in cell culture to virulent strains and possessed closely related glycoprotein G gene sequences.
  • Turkeys inoculated with AC and CG aMPV/C P3 isolates displayed severe clinical signs of respiratory disease by 5 and 7 days post-inoculation.
  • Virus replication was confirmed in the nasal turbinate and trachea, and all exposed turkeys developed antibodies by 14 days post-inoculation.

Conclusions:

  • Wild bird aMPV/C isolates are capable of inducing typical avian metapneumovirus subtype C disease in domestic turkeys.
  • These findings underscore the potential for disease transmission from wild bird reservoirs to domestic poultry.

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