Avian Paramyxoviruses

Avian paramyxoviruses (APMVs) have been detected in a wide range of bird species worldwide. In chickens and turkeys, APMVs are associated with respiratory manifestations, high mortality and morbidity, and/or a decrease in egg production, accompanied by severe economic losses. These viruses are members of the genus Avulavirus and the family Paramyxoviridae. Twenty-one serotypes of APMVs (PMV-1 to PMV-12) have been recognized. Newcastle disease virus (NDV), which belongs to APMV-1, is the most important pathogen for poultry. APMVs other than PMV-1 were isolated from wild birds and occasionally from poultry. APMV-2, 3, 6, and 7 infections are associated with respiratory manifestations and a drop in egg production in turkeys. APMVs can be isolated in the allantoic cavity of 8- to 10-day-old embryonated chicken eggs and identified using hemagglutination inhibition tests (HI) with specific antiserum. Currently, no vaccines are available against PMV-2, PMV-6, and PMV-7. Indeed, inactivated oil-emulsion vaccines against PMV-3 have been developed and used in turkey breeder flocks.