Tissue Distribution of Psittacid Herpesviruses in Latently Infected Parrots, Repeated Sampling of Latently Infected Parrots and Prevalence of Latency in Parrots Submitted for Necropsy

Abstract

Abstract. Psittacid herpesvirus-1 (PsHV-1) is the cause of an acute fatal disease in parrots and is implicated as the cause of papillomatous lesions of the digestive tract. Not all infections cause disease and some parrots are infected asymptomatically. Latently infected parrots are potential sources for virus dissemination. Tissues from parrots that died spontaneously with a history of coming from flocks where a PsHV-1 outbreak had occurred were examined for PsHV-1 DNA. Fourteen of 16 parrots examined were infected with at least 1 variant of PsHV-1; of these 13 (93%) had viral DNA in either or both the oral and cloacal mucosa, suggesting that most latently infected parrots could be detected by sampling these sites. Nine of 9 parrots shown to be infected 5 years prior to this study were positive again on repeat sampling and were infected with the same virus genotype. Opportunistic sampling of parrots submitted for diagnostic necropsy indicated that the prevalence of PsHV-1 in parrots in the sampled population was approximately 9.3%. PsHV-1 genotypes 1, 2, and 3 were found in these birds, but genotype 4 was not. Six necropsy specimens were found to be infected with two PsHV-1 genotypes and it was concluded that infection with one serotype did not protect against infection with another. Psittacid herpesvirus 2 (PsHV-2) was identified in 4 African grey parrots and a blue and gold macaw. Prior to this study PsHV-2 had only been found in African grey parrots.

Detection and Phylogenetic Characterization of a Novel Herpesvirus from the Trachea of Two Stranded Common Loons (Gavia immer)

“…The genus Iltovirus, named for infectious laryngotracheitis (Gallid Herpesvirus-1, GaHV1) of chickens (Gallus gallus), contains GaHV1 and Psittacid herpesvirus 1 (PsHV1; Davison et al, 2009). PsHV1 has been isolated from a variety of psittacine species; there is diversity among PsHV1 isolates and they likely represent more than one herpesvirus species, although the authors of the study did not state this (Tomaszewski et al, 2006). Psittacid herpesvirus 2 (PsHV2) from African Grey Parrots (Psittacus erithacus erithacus) and Passerid herpesvirus 1 (PasHV1) from Gouldian Finches (Erythrura gouldiae) also cluster with Iltovirus and are probable members of the genus (Wellehan et al, 2003a;Styles et al, 2005).…”

Psittacid herpesvirus DNA in a pancreatic duct carcinoma in a macaw

“…The PsHV-1 genotypes 1, 2 and 3, but not genotype 4, have been detected in mucosal papillomas in parrots, with genotype 3 the most commonly detected, being present in 77 per cent of cases (Styles and others 2004). In general, the prevalence of PsHV-1 infection in parrots has been estimated at approximately 9·3 per cent (Tomaszewski and others 2006) but appears to be lower in the geographical region investigated in the present study. In latently infected parrots, PsHV-1 DNA is present in multiple intestinal and extraintestinal tissues in addition to the oral and cloacal mucosa in birds showing no evidence of disease (Tomaszewski and others 2006).…”

“…In general, the prevalence of PsHV-1 infection in parrots has been estimated at approximately 9·3 per cent (Tomaszewski and others 2006) but appears to be lower in the geographical region investigated in the present study. In latently infected parrots, PsHV-1 DNA is present in multiple intestinal and extraintestinal tissues in addition to the oral and cloacal mucosa in birds showing no evidence of disease (Tomaszewski and others 2006). However, a high prevalence of carcinomas of the bile ducts and the pancreatic duct has been recorded in aviaries where IPP had been observed previously (Graham 1991, Hillyer and others 1991).…”

Psittacid Herpesvirus 3 Infection in the Eclectus Parrot (Eclectus roratus) in Australia

“…Similar lesions have been reported in parrots (no agent identified) in Japan and the United States. 3,4,6,10 The presence of these cases raises the possibility that PsHV-3 is more widely spread and suggests that it should be added to the list of potential pathogenic agents of significance in psittacine populations. Since birds have most likely been transported to destinations worldwide, with the possibility of viral dissemination, examination of archival materials may be prudent to further elucidate the potential global distribution of this virus.…”