The virus genus Circovirus belongs to the family Circoviridae and contains virus species with circular single-stranded DNA genomes. The viruses are known to infect vertebrate species, including pigs, dogs, pigeons and ducks. In this study a nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was applied to investigate prevalence of circoviruses in pigeons in the Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari province, Iran. A total of 50 faecal samples were subjected to nucleic acid extraction, PCR amplification and DNA sequencing. Nested PCR primers were designed to amplify a 508 base pair segment of the pigeon circovirus (PiCV) capsid gene. Of the 50 faecal samples examined, 12 (24%) produced the expected DNA amplicons with identical DNA sequences. Phylogenetic analysis has grouped the viruses with those classified as group A circoviruses. The viruses were closely related to PiCVs found in Poland, Northern Ireland, the USA, Nigeria and Hungary. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of molecular detection and genomic characterization of PiCV from Iran.

The aim of this study was to describe the normal electrocardiographic patterns and values in conscious laughing dove (Spilopelia senegalensis). The standard bipolar (I, II, and III) and augmented unipolar limb (aVR, aVL, and aVF) leads' electrocardiographs were recorded in 10 clinically healthy laughing doves. The wave forms were analyzed in all leads at 50 mm/sec and at 10 mm = 1 mV to determine PR, QRS, ST, and QT durations, the net QRS complex, and P and T amplitudes. The polarity of each waveform was tabulated in all leads. The mean electrical axis (MEA) for the frontal plane was calculated using standard bipolar leads II and III. The mean heart rate (calculated from the lead II) was 357 +/- 12.5 beats/min. The P wave was positive in all leads except for the aVR lead. The dominant pattern of waveforms for the QRS complexes was rS in leads II, III, aVR, and aVF, whereas in leads I and aVL, the patterns were R and Rs, respectively. The T wave was positive in leads II, III, aVF and negative in leads I, aVR, and aVL. The average value of the heart MEA was -89.7 +/- 1.30 degrees. The electrocardiogram values and patterns tabulated in these clinically normal laughing doves provide a means of comparison to aid in the diagnosis of pathologic abnormalities in this species.

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