Surveillance of Marek's disease virus in migratory and sedentary birds in Hokkaido, Japan

Marek's disease virus serotype 1 (MDV-1) strains cause malignant lymphoma in chickens. MDV-1 has been previously reported to be widespread in white-fronted geese (Anser albifrons); however, the prevalence of MDV-1 in other wild birds has not been determined. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of MDV-1 in various wild birds in Hokkaido, Japan. The MDV-1 genome was widespread in geese and ducks, but was not detected in other birds. MDV-1 was detected in both sedentary and migratory species. These results suggest that, in Japan, MDV-1 is widespread in wild goose and duck populations, and that resident ducks may be significant carriers and reservoirs of MDV-1.     

Newcastle disease and avian influenza A virus in wild waterfowl in South Africa

In an intensive ostrich farming area in South Africa with a history of ostrich influenza outbreaks, we conducted a survey of avian influenza virus (AIV) and Newcastle disease virus (NDV) in wild aquatic birds. During late autumn and winter 1998, the time of year when outbreaks in ostriches typically start to occur, 262 aquatic birds comprising 14 species were sampled and tested for both virus infections. From eight samples, AIV, serotype H10N9, could be isolated. All isolates were apathogenic as determined by the intravenous pathogenicity index (0.00). Conversely, none of 33 sera of these wild birds showed antibodies against H10. However, one bird was found serologically positive for H6 AIV. This AIV serotype was later isolated from ostriches during an avian influenza outbreak in this area. No NDV was isolated although 34 of 46 serum samples contained NDV-specific antibodies. This is the first H10N9 isolate to be reported from Africa. In addition, our data support the notion that wild aquatic birds may function as a reservoir for AIV and NDV in South Africa.     

Isolation of myxoviruses from migratory waterfowls in San-in district,western Japan in winters of 1997-2000

Between November 1997 and February 2000, winter migratory waterfowls of several species staying in San-in district, western Japan were surveyed for influenza A virus and paramyxovirus at four stations. A total of 18 influenza A viruses was isolated from 1,404 fecal samples of whistling swans, pintails, mallards, and white-fronted geese. Five different hemagglutinins and eight neuraminidases were identified in the viruses isolated, in 11 different combinations, including H7N8 related to a subtype of a highly pathogenic chicken virus. In 2000, five lentogenic (non-pathogenic) Newcastle disease viruses were also isolated from white-fronted geese. These results suggested that possible precursor viruses for highly pathogenic avian myxoviruses are still brought into Japan by migratory waterfowls. The results also support the contention that continued surveillance of wild waterfowl population should be an integral part of control policies for these serious poultry diseases.     

Simultaneous detection and differentiation of Newcastle disease and avian influenza viruses using oligonucleotide microarrays

Newcastle disease (ND) and avian influenza (AI) are two of the most important zoonotic viral diseases of birds throughout the world. These two viruses often have a great impact upon the poultry industry. Both viruses are associated with transmission from wild to domestic birds, and often display similar signs that need to be differentiated. A rapid surveillance among wild and domestic birds is important for early disease detection and intervention, and is the basis for what measures should be taken. The surveillance, thus, should be able to differentiate the diseases and provide a detailed analysis of the virus strains. Here, we described a fast, simultaneous and inexpensive approach to the detection of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and avian influenza virus (AIV) using oligonucleotide microarrays. The NDV pathotypes and the AIV haemagglutinin subtypes H5 and H7 were determined at the same time. Different probes on a microarray targeting the same gene were implemented in order to encompass the diversified virus strains or provide multiple confirmations of the genotype. This ensures good sensitivity and specificity among divergent viruses. Twenty-four virus isolates and twenty-four various combinations of the viruses were tested in this study. All viruses were successfully detected and typed. The hybridization results on microarrays were clearly identified with the naked eyes, with no further imaging equipment needed. The results demonstrate that the detection and typing of multiple viruses can be performed simultaneously and easily using oligonucleotide microarrays. The proposed method may provide potential for rapid surveillance and differential diagnosis of these two important zoonoses in both wild and domestic birds.     

Resistance of chickens to challenge with the virulent Herts 33 strain of Newcastle disease virus induced by prior infection with serologically distinct avian paramyxoviruses.

Results indicate that some degree of protection from challenge by Newcastle disease virus (NDV)/Herts 33 was conferred on chickens by prior infection with PMV/turkey/Wisconsin/68, PMV/turkey/Ontario/6661/68, PMV/Netherlands/449/75 and PMV/parakeet/England/39/78 viruses, all of which are serologically related but distinguishable from NDV. Except for one bird which survived challenge three weeks after infection with Robin/Hiddensee/19/75, no protection was seen in chickens infected with other unrelated avian paramyxoviruses. In contrast to infection with NDV-B1, birds protected by infection with avian paramyxoviruses showed large increases in NDV haemagglutination inhibition (HI) titres after challenge. In these birds considerable increases in the homologous HI titres were also seen after challenge.     

ClassⅠ新城疫病毒概述

新城疫病毒是影响养禽业健康发展的主要病原之一。新城疫病毒只有一个血清型,但根据亲源关系可以划分为ClassⅠ和ClassⅡ两大类。ClassⅠ新城疫病毒于2006年被证实存在,当前可被细分为9个基因型(1～9)。ClassⅠ所有自然分离株均为无毒株或弱毒株,但有经人工传代返强的报道,由于其分布广泛,数量庞大,对养禽业有巨大的潜在威胁。为了更好的了解ClassⅠ新城疫毒株的生物学特性,为研究ClassⅠ新城疫病毒提供参考,现将其基因组结构、分子流行病学及检测方法等综述如下。     

Epizootiology of Newcastle disease in waterfowl.

Antibodies to Newcastle disease virus (NDV) as measured by hemagglutination-inhibition and virus-neutralization tests were detected in 40/236 Canada geese captured while in their southward migration or in their wintering grounds. Antibodies were also found in 37/267 wild ducks and in 20/31 domestic geese. Adult geese were readily infected by several routes. Inapparent disease usually resulted, and only 1/13 cases were fatal. Goose embryos responded differently to inoculation with selected NDV strains than did chicken embryos of comparative developmental stages. Some goslings that hatched from inoculated embryos died and were found to have virus, whereas others survived and developed active antibodies. Four strains of virus isolated from migratory ducks of the Pacific flyway were characterized. All 4 strains were lentogenic but differed from lentogenic strains prevalent in chickens by being thermostable. It is proposed that wild waterfowl neither receive their ND infection from domestic poultry nor pass their disease to poultry. The virus reservoir probably exists in nature.     

一株新疆野鸟源新城疫病毒的分离鉴定、F基因克隆及遗传进化分析

为了解新疆野鸟新城疫病毒（Newcastle disease virus,NDV）感染情况,分析其分子特征和基因变异特点,防止新城疫的暴发和蔓延,本试验用9日龄SPF鸡胚进行病毒的分离传代,HA、HI试验和RT-PCR方法对位于"东非-西亚迁徙线"福海县的野鸟进行了NDV检测,分离到1株野鸟源NDV,并命名为NDV/Pintail/CH（XJ）/01/2016。结果表明,该NDV分离株F基因ORF长1 662 bp,编码553个氨基酸,F基因碱性裂解位点序列为¹¹²G-R-Q-G-R-L¹¹⁷,符合弱毒株特征;遗传进化分析显示,NDV/Pintail/CH（XJ）/01/2016与乌克兰鸽源分离株Doneck/3/968、比利时鸭源分离株Simeonovgrad核苷酸同源性均为99.7%,属于NDV ClassⅡ基因Ⅱ型。而上述3株病毒均与疫苗毒La Sota具有较高同源性（99.5%~99.8%）。本研究结果为家禽NDV外流进入自然环境提供了论据。     

Isolation and Identification,F Gene Cloning and Evolutionary Analysis of Newcastle Disease Virus Isolated from Wild Birds in Xinjiang

In order to understand inflection of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) of Xinjiang wild birds, through analysis of molecular characteristics and genetic variation, to prevent the outbreak and spread of Newcastle disease, isolation of the virus was performed in 9 days old specific pathogen free (SPF) chicken embryos, detected the wild birds in Fuhai county which was located in the migration line of East Africa-West Asia by HA, HI test and RT-PCR method. And then 1 strain of NDV from wild birds was isolated, named as NDV/Pintail/CH(XJ)/01/2016. As the result, ORF of F gene from the NDV isolate was 1 662 bp, encoding 553 amino acids. The motif of the cleavage site was ¹¹²G-R-Q-G-R-L¹¹⁷, which was consistent with the characteristics of avirulent NDV strains. The phylogenetic analysis showed that NDV/Pintail/CH(XJ)/01/2016 nucleotide sequence homologies of F gene between reference strain Doneck/3/968 and mule Simeonovgrad strain homology were high and reached 99.7%, it belonged to genotype Ⅱ of Class Ⅱ NDV. All of the three viruses had high homology to the vaccine strain La Sota,which were 99.5% to 99.8%. According to this research conclusion we provided evidence that poultry NDV outflowed into the natural environment.     

The role of indigenous wild, semidomestic, and exotic birds in the epizootiology of velogenic viscerotropic Newcastle disease in southern California, 1972-1973.

During an epornitic of velogenic viscerotropic Newcastle disease (VVND) in southern California, free-flying wild birds, captive and free-ranging semidomestic birds, and exotic birds were collected from the quarantine area to determine their role in the epizootiology of the disease. The VVND virus was isolated from 0.04% of 9,446 free-flying wild birds, 0.76% of 4,367 semidomestic birds, and 1.01% of 3,780 exotic birds examined. Three house sparrows and 1 crow directly associated with infected poultry flocks were the only free-flying wild birds from which VVND virus was isolated. Among semidomestic species, ducks, quail, chukars, pheasants, peafowl, pigeons, and doves were found to be infected. Psttacines, pittas, and toucans accounted for 92% of the VVND virus isolations from exotic birds. In addition, domestic Newcastle disease virus (NDV) was isolated from 0.29% of the free-flying wild birds, from 1.65% of the semidomestic birds, and from 0.19% of the exotic birds collected. Hemagglutination-inhibition against domestic NDV was demonstrated in 0.24% of 3,796 wild bird serums, 8.28% of 2,004 semidomestic bird serums, and 3.90% of 231 exotic bird serums tested. Although few free-flying wild birds were infected with VVND virus in this epornitic, the isolation of domestic NDV strains from free-flying wild ducks and mourning doves suggests the potential for transportation of NDV over long distances by migratory birds.     

Phylogenetic analysis of Newcastle disease viruses isolated from wild birds in the Poyang Lake region of China

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) causes a highly contagious viral disease in poultry and wild birds, and it can cause significant economic loss worldwide. Eight viral strains were isolated by inoculating embryonated chicken eggs from the Poyang Lake region of China with swab samples. All eight of the NDV isolates were identified as class I genotype 3 strains, but they diverged notablely from class II viruses. Further analysis revealed that all eight NDV isolates were lentogenic strains containing the ¹¹²ERQER↓L¹¹⁷ motif at the F protein cleavage site. The strains were highly identical and were more species specific (chicken and waterfowl) than site specific (Nanchang and Duchang regions). The close phylogenetic proximity of these isolates indicates that viral transmission may happen between poultry and wild birds. Our study demonstrates that lentogenic class I NDVs exist in clinically healthy wild waterfowl and poultry within the Poyang Lake region. Active surveillance of these viruses to determine their evolution and origin is one of the most realistic strategies for preventing and controlling NDV outbreaks.     

Newcastle disease--seroepidemiologic study of a highly contagious epizootic in poultry and in wild birds in Switzerland

Newcastle disease (ND) is a highly contagious viral disease particularly of domestic poultry. Switzerland is currently declared free from ND. A serosurvey using an ELISA was performed to investigate infections with ND-Virus (NDV) in 260 Swiss laying hen flocks, 169 backyard poultry flocks and 1576 wild birds. For laying hen flocks, a stochastic model was applied to analyse the results from serological testing. Four laying hen flocks were identified as NDV-seropositive, and the true NDV seroprevalence in this population was most likely between 1.3 and 1.5%. NDV antibodies were also detected in five of the 169 backyard poultry-flocks. ND-antibody positive birds were found in 10% of all wild birds examined, with the highest proportions among cormorants, grebes, birds of prey, owls, and swifts. The study indicated that positive flocks must have been in contact with NDV strains causing sub-clinical infection, since no clinical signs had been observed. Moreover, trade of poultry or poultry eggs was considered to be an important factor associated with seropositivity in backyard poultry flocks. Contact to wild birds did not seem to be of major importance.     

A virological survey in migrating waders and other waterfowl in one of the most important resting sites of Germany

Wild birds are considered a potential reservoir or a carrier of viral diseases and may therefore play a role in the epidemiology of economically important or zoonotic diseases. In 2001 and 2002, a survey with special emphasis on virus isolation in migrating waders and some other birds were conducted. In one of the most important inland resting sites for migratory waterfowl, tracheal and cloacal swabs were collected from 465 waders representing 19 different species, and 165 other birds that were not captured on purpose. A total of 42 avian viruses were isolated, 34 of these were identified as paramyxoviruses (PMVs). The majority of isolates came from waders and wild ducks, and were characterized as PMV-1. In contrast, PMV-4 was found in wild ducks only, PMV-6 was mainly detected in wader species. Four avian influenza viruses (AIVs), belonging to H4 and H3 haemagglutinin subtype, were isolated from wild duck species. Furthermore, four reo-like viruses were isolated from one particular wader species for the first time. The majority of virus positive birds were <1 year old and did not show any clinical symptoms. There was no evidence for the presence of West Nile virus in these birds. These results confirm that the restricted resting sites in Western Europe must be considered as important locations for the intra- and interspecies transmission of avian viruses.     

Velogenic Newcastle Disease Virus in Captive Wild Birds

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) was isolated from the faeces of seven different species of clinically healthy captive wild birds. All seven NDV isolates were characterized as velogenic, based on the mean death time in embryonated hens' eggs and the intracerebral pathogenicity index in day-old chicks. Three of the isolates were placed in group C₁ based on the reactions with monoclonal antibodies. The role of captive wild birds in the epidemiology of Newcastle disease is briefly discussed.     

Cases of swollen head syndrome in broiler chickens in Greece

From 50 commercial broiler flocks included in a study concerning respiratory disease, signs of swollen head syndrome (SHS) were shown in eight. Postmortem examination was performed in eight birds showing signs of SHS from each flock. The trachea and head from each bird were collected for laboratory investigation. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for the detection of viral and avian mycoplasma antigens in the trachea, and bacteriologic examinations were performed from the infraorbital sinuses of the infected birds. According to the ELISA results, the most frequently detected antigen in the trachea was Mycoplasma synoviae (six flocks, 75%), followed by infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) (five flocks, 62.5%), avian adenovirus (four flocks, 50%), avian reovirus (three flocks, 37.5%), Mycoplasma gallisepticum (one flock, 12.5%), and Newcastle disease virus (NDV) (one flock, 12.5%). Turkey rhinotracheitis (TRT), infectious laryngotracheitis, and avian influenza viral antigens were not detected. Experimental assays for characterization of NDV and IBV isolates showed that they were strains of low virulence (evidently vaccine strains). Bacteriologic examinations from the infraorbital sinuses of the affected birds resulted in the isolation of Escherichia coli (seven cases, 87.5%) and Staphylococcus spp. (one case, 12.5%). It is evident that TRT virus did not play a causal role in SHS in commercial broiler flocks in Greece, but in this condition, other viruses (IBV, NDV), mycoplasmas, or bacteria may be involved, and environmental conditions seem to be essential to the occurrence and severity of the disease.     

Avian Paramyxoviridae--recent developments

This paper reviews the recent developments related to members of the Paramyxoviridae family which infect avian species. These developments include: (1) The identification of the virus responsible for the diseases turkey rhinotracheitis and swollen head syndrome in chickens as a member of the Pneumovirus genus, the first of this type to be isolated from birds. (2) The use of monoclonal antibodies prepared against Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and other avian paramyxoviruses which has enabled more exact and rapid diagnosis and greater understanding of the epizootiology of these viruses. (3) The nucleotide sequencing of the genome of NDV and subsequent amino acid sequencing of the major virus proteins have resulted in greater understanding of the pathogenicity of this economically important virus.     

野生鸟类高致病性禽流感抗体水平检测

高致病性禽流感对禽类及人类危害十分严重.高致病性禽流感流行病学特点之一是随野生鸟类的迁徙,该病在全球广泛扩散和蔓延.野生鸟类在紧急免疫后的血清抗体水平直接关系到疫情的控制、养禽业的发展以及人类的健康.我国GB/T 18936高致病性禽流感诊断技术对火鸡、鸭、鹅(包括野生鸟类)等禽类接种禽流感疫苗免疫效力评价缺乏足够的血清学依据,国际国内对野生鸟类血清抗体水平检测资料比较欠缺.因此对野生鸟类高致病性禽流感血清抗体水平进行检测,就显得十分重要和必要.