Avian Metapneumovirus

Avian metapneumovirus (AMPV), a member of the genus Metapneumovirus of the family Paramyxoviridae, is an acute, highly contagious respiratory disease, causing respiratory manifestations and reproductive problems in turkeys, causing economic losses, particularly in case of secondary bacterial infections. In chickens, it is associated with swollen head syndrome (SHS), respiratory disease complexes, and a drop in egg production. Pheasant, guinea fowl, and ducks are also susceptible. The diagnosis of AMPV is based on clinical signs, pathological lesions, virus isolation, and /or molecular investigation. Six different antigenic subtypes, namely, A–D and two new subtypes, are based on nucleotides and deduced amino acids of the G-glycoprotein. Vaccination and implementation of biosecurity are recommended as a control strategy for AMPV, particularly in endemic regions.