Avian orthoavulavirus 1 (Newcastle Disease virus) antibodies in five penguin species, Antarctic peninsula and Southern Patagonia

Abstract

Avian orthoavulavirus 1 (AOaV-1) causes Newcastle disease, one of the most important and contagious infections in poultry, where migratory birds can play a key role as a reservoir. Seven hundred and seven serum samples were collected from five penguin species (King, Magellanic, Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adelie penguins) in the Antarctic and Sub-Antarctic zones. Using a competitive ELISA to detect antibodies against AOaV-1, we identified positive individuals in all penguin species. The Magellanic penguin showed the highest seropositivity rate (30.3%), suggesting it could be a natural reservoir of this virus. At the Antarctic zones, Chinstrap penguin showed the highest occurrence (7.5%). Interesting, positive sera was only obtained in Sub-Antarctic and Northern zones at the Antarctic peninsula, no seroreactivity was observed in Southern locations. Further studies are needed to establish the role of these penguin species in the epidemiology of the AOaV-1 and determine the effects of this virus in these populations.

Influenza A(H11N2) Virus Detection in Fecal Samples from Adélie ( Pygoscelis adeliae ) and Chinstrap ( Pygoscelis antarcticus ) Penguins, Penguin Island, Antarctica

“…A similar situation is observed for other viruses; for example, some avian avulaviruses (avian orthoavulaviruses 1, 10, 17, 18, and 19) were described to be present at low rates of occurrence of 6% in P. papua penguins ( 37 ) and 7% in P. adeliae penguins ( 38 ). However, when serology was performed, higher levels of seroprevalence were determined: 30.3% in Magellanic penguins ( Spheniscus magellanicus ) ( 39 ) and 37% in P. antarcticus penguins ( 40 ); thus, both molecular and serological methods are needed to understand AIVs in Antarctica.…”

Enhancement of the Immune Iesponse of Chickens Vaccinated With Adjuvanted Live Newcastle Disease Virus Vaccine

“…Newcastle disease (ND) is considered one of the most important infectious diseases of poultry, where migratory birds act as natural reservoir (1). Newcastle disease virus (NDV) caused by Avian Orthoavulavirus 1 (AOaV-1) which associated with current outbreaks of poultry with highly variable clinical signs (2).…”