The First Detection of Koi Herpesvirus (CyHV3) in Migratory Wild Ducks in North America.

Abstract

A viromics study on the intestinal contents of migratory wild ducks of the genera Anas, Mareca, Spatula, and Oxyura during their winter stay in Mexico showed the presence of the virus family Alloherpesviridae. The genus Cyprinivirus is part of this family and includes cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHV3). This is the etiological agent of the lethal disease known as koi herpesvirosis, which affects different strains of Common Carp Cyrprinus carpio. In this study, samples of the contents of 87 wild duck intestines were analyzed by endpoint PCR, of which 7 samples were positive for the amplification of the TK gene fragment corresponding to CyHV3. These results contribute to the knowledge about the spread of this virus to other species of aquatic animals in areas where fish and ducks coexist.