Characterization of the first columbid herpesvirus 1 isolate from a hybrid meat-type pigeon flock in China

Abstract

Infections of pigeons with herpesviruses have been described in several species of domestic and wild birds. In July 2012, increased mortality was observed in a hybrid meat-type pigeon flock in Beijing, China. Diagnostic tests led to the isolation of a virus designated columbid herpesvirus 1 BJ strain (CoHV-1BJ). Sequence analysis of the viral DNA polymerase catalytic subunit gene revealed a single open reading frame of 3753 nt encoding 1250 amino acids. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the CoHV-1BJ is closely related to the members of the genus Mardivirus within the subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae. An experimental infection demonstrated that CoHV-1BJ is pathogenic to young pigeons, resulting in systemic infection with scattered focal necrosis in the liver and spleen. The results provide an initial assessment of herpesvirus infection in domestic pigeons in China.

Avian viral surveillance in Victoria, Australia, and detection of two novel avian herpesviruses

“…The 181 bp nucleotide sequence obtained from the powerful owl aligned with the DNA polymerase genes of strains of Columbid alphaherpesvirus 1 (CoHV1) with 100% nucleotide identity [ 61 – 67 ]. Of the 210 liver swab samples screened by the universal herpesvirus PCR, only DNA extracted from the liver of the same powerful owl gave a strong positive band.…”

“…Two novel members of the family Herpesviridae were detected, one from DNA extracted from a choanal swab from a tawny frogmouth, and the other from DNA extracted from a tracheal swab collected from a sulphur-crested cockatoo. The closest matches to the 485 bp nucleotide sequence obtained from the tawny frogmouth swab were avian herpesviruses within the subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae , with highest (76%) nucleotide identity with the DNA polymerase genes of strains of CoHV1 [ 61 , 63 – 65 , 67 ]. It is unknown whether the tawny frogmouth is the natural host of this newly identified alphaherpesvirus, but lacking information to the contrary we have tentatively designated the virus Podargid alphaherpesvirus 1 (PodHV1).…”

Novel viruses in birds: Flying through the roof or is a cage needed?

“…A novel alphaherpesvirus was isolated from the liver and spleen of pigeons (Columba livia domestica) during an outbreak of increased mortality among a flock used for meat production in China (Zhang et al, 2015). Intraperitoneal inoculation of young pigeons with the virus resulted in systemic infection, with multifocal necrosis in the liver and spleen, although none of the inoculated pigeons died.…”

A retrospective study of pigeon herpesviral infection in domestic pigeons in California (1991–2014) and literature review

“…PiHV infection, first identified in pigeons from New York State in 1943, 31 was initially termed Smadel disease, 37 and was characterized 2 y later in U.S. Army homing pigeons. 32 Since then, individual cases or outbreaks in domestic and free-ranging pigeons have been reported throughout the world, including Australia, 6,23 Belgium, 10,21 China, 15,39 Hungary, 34 Japan, 38 Morocco, 18 the Netherlands, 16,20 New Zealand, 33 Poland, 36 South Africa, 25 Spain, 5 Thailand, 12 the UK, 8,9 and throughout the United States. 2,13,29,31,32…”