Is PBFD Simptomatology Species Specific Rather then Strain Specific? – A Case of 8 Lovebirds

Abstract

Eight lovebirds of both sexes and different age were admitted showing alterations in behaviour and apathy. During the initial examination delamination of the beak was noted in all birds and discrete areas of alopecia in three of eight birds. Based on clinical experience, molecular diagnostic on PBFD, sequencing of obtained amplicons, and histopathological examination were performed. All birds tested positive on the presence of PBFD virus, despite the fact they did not exhibit expected clinical signs for PBFD. Sequencing results showed 100% match with sequences previously isolated from parrots with PBFD exhibiting classical PBFD manifestation. Histopathological examination showed similar findings as in previously described cases of PBFD in parrots. Other studies on psittacine birds correlate clinical manifestations and nucleotide variations with geographic localization. Our results indicate that the clinical manifestation of the disease is more dependent on bird species than on the genetic variation of the virus or the geographical distribution.

Temporal characterization of the viral load of psittacine beak and feather disease virus in rosy-faced lovebirds (Agapornis roseicollis)

“…Some veterinarians suggested that most of the infected lovebirds in US are asymptomatic carriers. Given the high international trade volume, establishment of invasive population worldwide, and the popularity as a companion pet, lovebirds could serve a major reservoir of the disease [20, 50].…”