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Avian Metapneumovirus: Current Knowledge, Critical Gaps, and Future Directions in Transmission, Pathogenesis, and
Abhijith Anil1, Biswash Ghimire1, Menuka Bhandari2
1Department of Animal Sciences, College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, The Ohio State University, Wooster, OH 44691, USA.
Viruses
|July 28, 2026
Summary
Avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) causes significant poultry losses. Recent re-emergence of subtypes A and B in the US highlights critical knowledge gaps in transmission and host interactions, necessitating further research.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Poultry Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) is a significant respiratory pathogen in poultry, causing economic losses globally.
- First detected in 1978, aMPV is classified into four subtypes (A-D), with subtype C historically dominant in the US.
- aMPV re-emerged in the US in 2023 with new subtypes (A and B), causing substantial economic impact and becoming a top concern in turkey production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on avian metapneumovirus (aMPV).
- To identify critical research gaps concerning aMPV.
- To emphasize future research directions for controlling aMPV and ensuring turkey industry sustainability.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on aMPV.
- Analysis of epidemiological data and economic impact assessments.
- Identification of knowledge gaps in transmission, host-virus interactions, and tissue tropism.
Main Results:
- aMPV poses a major economic threat to the poultry industry, with recent outbreaks causing significant losses.
- New subtypes of aMPV have emerged in the US, indicating evolving viral dynamics.
- Key aspects of aMPV, including transmission routes and host-virus interactions, remain poorly understood.
Conclusions:
- Addressing research gaps in aMPV transmission, host interactions, and tissue tropism is crucial.
- Modern research tools are needed to combat aMPV effectively.
- Further research is essential for the long-term sustainability of the turkey industry against aMPV.
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