Avian encephalomyelitis in naturally infected pigeons in Turkey

Abstract

The pathological and immunohistochemical findings of avian encephalomyelitis (AE) were described in various tissues of naturally infected pigeons of a flock from a outbreak in Turkey. Clinically, paresis, paralysis, circling movement and torticollis of the head associated with nervous signs were marked symptoms among the diseased pigeons. At necropsy, small or large white Á /greyish foci were detected in the pancreas, and erosive-ulcerative foci along with petechial hemorrhages in ingluves. Histopathologically, lesions in central nervous system, particularly in the cerebullum molecular layer, consisted of non-suppurative encephalomyelitis. Lesions in the pancreas revealed non-suppurative pancreatitis along with acinar degeneration and necrosis and/or lymphoid aggregations. Immunohistochemical staining of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues was performed using a direct-fluorescein antibody technique with chicken anti-AE virus serum flourescein isothiocyanate conjugate. Viral antigen was strongly stained in cytoplasm of epithelial cells of the exocrin glands, and neurons of the cerebral hemispheres and midbrain. In addition, viral antigen was also marked in the kidneys and tissues of the digestive system. Consequently, this article is, to our knowledge, the first report of natural AE in pigeons.

Avian encephalomyelitis virus in reared pheasants: a case study

“…This demonstrated the value of RT-PCR amplification in the detection of AEV in a non-standard host species with minimal central nervous system lesions and where virus isolation has proved unsuccessful. Similarly, immunohistochemistry was used by Toplu & Alcigir (2004) to demonstrate AEV in pigeons, and would have been a useful diagnostic aid in this case also.…”

“…In a serological survey in Britain, neutralizing antibody against AEV was detected in pheasants, turkeys and red-legged partridges but not in starlings (Sturnus vulgaris), woodpigeons (Columba palumbus), collared doves (Streptopelia decaocto) or a limited range of finches, corvids or ducks (Steenis, 1971). However, detection of the virus has recently been reported in domestic pigeons in Turkey (Toplu & Alcigir, 2004).…”

Galliformes and Columbiformes

“…Opisthotonus and torticollis associated with PMV-1 infection. muscular layers of the ventriculus may be the only gross lesion seen in birds with clinical disease or gross lesions may be absent; grayish foci may be seen in the pancreas of pigeons (Toplu and Alcigir, 2004). Cataracts may be observed in birds that survive infection.…”

An outbreak of Avian Encephalomyelitis in broilers in Greece

“…Avian encephalomyelitis virus has a limited host range. Chickens, pheasants, coturnix quail, pigeons and turkeys have all succumbed to naturally occurring infection (Toplu and Alcigir, 2004;Butterfield, 1975;Van der Heide, 1970). The naturally occurring disease in turkeys is essentially the same as that in chickens (Hohlstein et al, 1970).…”