Identification of Parrot Bornavirus in India
A scientific team has identified and genetically characterized the parrot bornavirus 4 (PaBV-4) in India, marking the first such instance in the country. This virus is associated with rapid fatalities in captive psittacine birds, which include species such as budgerigars, cockatiels, cockatoos, lovebirds, macaws, and parakeets.
Research Details
- The study was led by Pankaj Deka and Sangeeta Das from Assam Veterinary and Fishery University, with contributions from other researchers across Assam and Gujarat.
- Research was conducted from 2020-2024 and published in Scientific Reports.
- The study involved testing 83 psittacine birds from 13 species in aviaries located in Assam, Karnataka, and West Bengal.
- Species tested included African grey parrot, ochre-marked parakeet, yellow-collared macaw, and others.
Virus Effects and Findings
- Proventricular dilatation disease (PDD), caused by avian bornavirus, affects birds' digestive and nervous systems and is typically fatal.
- Among the tested birds, 44 were found infected with PaBV, with infection present in 88% of dead birds and 19% of healthy cage mates.
- Infected birds belonged to nine species with varying conservation statuses from near-threatened to endangered.
- Brain tissue and cloacal swabs were effective for virus detection in dead and live birds, respectively.
Genetic Analysis and Conservation Concerns
- Genetic analysis revealed all positive samples had the PaBV-4 strain, previously identified in countries like Canada, Israel, and the U.S.
- No genetic patterns linked to host species, geography, or timing were found, indicating possible connections to global trade in psittacine birds.
- The study emphasizes the conservation risks associated with breeding captive birds due to such viral infections.
