Avian Bornavirus Facts

- RNA virus -can cause PDD -very unstable
- neurotrophic -not zoonotic -contagious

Bornavirus and Borna Disease

Borna Disease (BD) was first described in 1885 in cavalry horses in the town of Borna in Saxony, Germany. Borna Disease Virus (BDV), the virus responsible for BD, has been detected in horses, cattle, sheep, dogs, cats and humans. In 1966, BVD was isolated from ostriches in Israel. In 2000, BVD was isolated from wild mallards and Jackdaws. In 2008, using microarray technology, a negative-stranded RNA virus was identified in 3 PDD birds. The RNA virus was found to be part of the Bornavirida family of viruses

Avian Bornavirus (ABV)

ABV is an negative-stranded RNA virus that can cause PDD and other neurotropical disorders. Birds may be infected with ABV for as little as three weeks to as many as ten or more years before any symptoms of disease occur. ABV is spread through direct or close contact with infected birds or fecal matter.

Proventricular Dilatation Disease

Proventricular Dilatation Disease (PDD) is an inflammatory disorder that is most often fatal. PDD threatens most species of parrots and parakeets and has been documented worldwide. PDD is generally characterized by inflammatory changes in the brain and central nervous system including the nerves that supply the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Typically, clinical cases of PDD involve the autonomic nerves of the GI tract; specifically, the ventriculus and the proventriculus. Symptoms include dilatation of the thin wall of the proventriculus, regurgitation, passage of undigested food in the faeces, impaction of the crop, and neurological disorders. These problems can lead to weight loss, depression and increased susceptibility to opportunistic disease.

Rt-PCR vs rELISA

Many disease-causing organisms can be reliably detected by PCR testing. PCR is used to amplify a specific segment of the DNA or RNA of an organism. Serological assays like rELISA and Western blot can identify immunological exposure to specific compounds of an organism. Our research shows that the most reliable method for screening birds for chronic ABV infections is by serology. Our standard ABV ELISA uses the specific ABV protein P40. Other proteins like P24 and matrix can be used for differentiation. Post-mortem tissue samples are suitable for rtPCR. Cloacal swab (not blood) samples may be submitted for rtPCR but a negative result does not confirm that the bird is not ABV positive. Our multiplex rtPCR assay tests for ABV M and N genes and an internal G control to help confirm that the sample is viable.

Results

Results are usually available within one week via email of fax. All test results reflect the sample submitted and may not necessary represent the health of the bird.