The Role Of Avian Metapenumovirus In Respiratory Complex Disease Circulating In Broilers In Northern Iran

Abstract

Avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) is the etiologic agent of a respiratory disease of poultry. In a 6 months period from October 2012 to March 2013, broiler flocks with respiratory signs are examined in northern Iran. The purpose of the given research was to define presence of antibodies of the birds' avian metapneumovirus among broilers and detection of virus. Birds were not vaccinated against this virus.Total 525 blood samples and trachea/nasal turbinates swabs were obtained from 35 commercial broiler flocks and pooled (5 swabs/pool), then RT-PCR method was done on these 105 pooled samples. Presence of antibodies against the bird's metapneumovirus in each serum sample has been tested by method of immune-enzyme analysis. 10 (28.5%) flocks had positive antibodies. Of the 35 flocks, 8 were positive by RT-PCR with Nd/Nx primers (23%). This is the first report of APV infection in northern Iran. Vaccination programs should be adjusted to include the APV vaccine to aid in the control of this respiratory disease in the Iranian poultry industry.

First report of Avian metapneumovirus type B in Iraqi broiler flocks with swollen head syndrome

“…It has been observed that the prevalence of local aMPV type B was higher than that reported in Iran based on a previous study conducted on turkey [2], but on the other hand the aMPV type B was same as per our results except flocks were vaccinated against aMPV as mentioned in a previous study [6]. In Israel, aMPV type B has a higher prevalence, as reported by our study [18].…”

“…The positive results for type B aMPV were distributed over three governorates, that is, Al-Najaf (n=8; 50%), Al-Qadisiyyah (n=6; 37%), and Al-Muthanna (n=2; 13%), whereas Baghdad had no cases of the virus, as shown in Figure -1. The results obtained for aMPV were expected because of reports of aMPV type B in Iran, Turkey, Jordan, Egypt, and KSA [6,[25][26][27]; therefore, the probability that aMPV entered Iraq because of commercial business with these countries, such as the import of poultry equipment, vaccinations, and eggs, is very high. In turn, migratory birds also play a very important role in aMPV transmission [15].…”

“…The typical clinical respiratory symptoms among young flocks of poultry are as follows: Serous watery nasal and ocular discharge; frothy eyes and conjunctivitis; a mucopurulent, Available at www.veterinaryworld.org/Vol.15/January-2022/3.pdf turbid nasal discharge and swollen nose later on; and stacky, sneezing, coughing, or tracheal rales. These signs are followed by agitation, anorexia, and rolling feathers [6].…”

Avian Metapneumovirus Infection in Poultry Flocks: A Review of Current Knowledge

“…Coughing, gasping, dyspnea, and rales can also be detected in the later stages, especially with complications (Jones et al, 1988). General signs, including depression, anorexia, ruffled feathers, and reduced growth and egg performance parameters, are usually associated with respiratory manifestations (Seifi & Boroomand, 2015). Besides the mild respiratory manifestations, aMPVaffected adult layers may exhibit a 10-40% decrease in egg quantity and changes in eggshell quality (Sugiyama et al, 2006).…”