[Adenovirus infections in psittacines]

Area of Science:

• Avian pathology
• Virology
• Molecular diagnostics

Context:

• A large-scale breeding facility experienced a fatal disease outbreak affecting African Grey Parrots (Psittacus erithacus) and Cape Parrots (Poicephalus robustus).
• Significant pathomorphological changes were observed primarily in the liver and intestinal tissues of the affected birds.

Purpose:

• To investigate the etiology of a fatal disease affecting psittacine birds in a breeding setting.
• To identify the causative agent through diagnostic investigations, including histopathology, electron microscopy, virus isolation, and molecular analysis.

Summary:

• Diagnostic investigations identified adenoviruses in the liver and intestine of affected parrots.
• Histopathological examination revealed necrotizing hepatitis and enteritis, with characteristic basophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies in hepatocytes and enterocytes.
• Virus isolation and serological classification identified the causative agent as fowl adenovirus serotype 4 (FAV4), further confirmed by restriction enzyme analysis.

Impact:

• This study confirms Fowl Adenovirus Serotype 4 (FAV4) as a cause of severe disease and mortality in African Grey and Cape Parrots.
• The findings provide crucial etiological information for understanding and managing adenovirus infections in psittacine populations.
• Highlights the importance of integrated diagnostic approaches, including molecular methods, for accurate pathogen identification in avian species.