Outbreak of avian polyomavirus infection with high mortality in recently captured Crimson's seedcrackers (Pyrenestes sanguineus).

Abstract

Avian polyomavirus (APV) infection of recently imported Crimson's seedcrackers (Pyrenestes sanguineus) resulted in mortality in 56 of 70 (80%) birds in January 2000. Viral infection in these birds was characterized by diarrhea, anorexia, and lethargy, and death usually ensued within 48 to 72 hr of initial clinical signs. Bacteriologic testing resulted in consistently negative results. Histologic examination of tissues from dead birds revealed large intranuclear inclusion bodies, which at electron microscopy examination, contained 42- to 49-nm viral particles. The diagnosis of APV infection was based on immunohistochemistry and immunoelectronmicroscopy, using a monoclonal antibody specific for VP-1 major capsidic APV protein. This is the first report of an acute APV outbreak in wild, recently imported, Crimson's seedcrackers.