Herpesviruses in migrating procellariforms, northeastern Brazil

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Virology
• Avian Pathology
• Marine Wildlife Health

Background:

• Seabirds, particularly Procellariiformes, face significant conservation challenges.
• Viral infections, including herpesvirus, pose a substantial threat to marine avifauna.

Purpose of the Study:

• To survey for herpesvirus in Procellariiformes during a mortality event in Brazil.
• To identify herpesvirus types and their prevalence in stranded seabirds.

Main Methods:

• Necropsy and tissue sample analysis of stranded seabirds (Cory's Shearwater, Great Shearwater, Yellow-nosed Albatross).
• Broad-range nested PCR assay for herpesvirus detection.
• Phylogenetic analysis of identified herpesvirus sequences.

Main Results:

• Herpesvirus was detected in 20% (3/15) of the analyzed birds.
• Two Cory's Shearwaters and one Great Shearwater tested positive for herpesvirus.
• Alphaherpesvirus sequences, classified as Mardivirus, were identified in both shearwater species, suggesting novel viruses.

Conclusions:

• This study reports the likely presence of two novel herpesviruses in shearwaters.
• Findings contribute to limited data on infectious agents in Procellariiformes.
• Further research is crucial for understanding herpesvirus epidemiology and its impact on seabird conservation.