ARS | Publication request: Characteristics of pigeon paramyxovirus serotype-1 isolates (PPMV-1) from the Russian Federation from 2001 to 2009

Submitted to: Avian Diseases
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: August 1, 2012
Publication Date: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Sick or dead pigeons in the Russian Federation were examined for Newcastle diseases viruses. Some Newcastle disease viruses from pigeons can infect and threaten chickens and turkeys in Russia by causing sickness and death. The genetic makeup of the viruses found was examined and the viruses were confirmed to be the type that causes sickness and death. More tests were performed by infecting chickens with these viruses in a laboratory setting and these tests also confirmed the viruses are virulent for chickens. By comparing the genetic structure of the viruses found to other Newcastle disease viruses found in pigeons it was shown that most of the Russian pigeon viruses belong to a sub-group that has not been studied very much. The complete genetic structure of one of the viruses was sequenced and submitted into GenBank so that other scientists around the world have access to it. These data are important as it is necessary to know the types of viruses circulating in different parts of the world to be sure that control programs are correctly formulated to prevent disease. The data are also critical in creating and keeping diagnostic tests working as the viruses change over time.

Technical Abstract: Monitoring programs for highly dangerous avian diseases in the Russian Federation, from 2001 to 2009, detected 77 samples PCR-positive for avian paramyxovirus serotype-1 (APMV-1) isolates from sick or dead feral and domestic pigeons. Nucleotide sequences of the fusion (F) gene, including a nucleotide sequence encoding the F protein cleavage site, were determined for these isolates. All of the studied isolates possessed virulent F0 protein cleavage sites (112KRKKRF117, 112RRQKRF117 or 112KRQKRF117). Intracerebral pathogenicity index (ICPI) values determined for seven of the isolates exceeded the value of 0.7 (the range from 0.8 to 1.41). Based on the partial genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis the isolates were assigned to two individual sub-lineages within class II genotype VIb. It was determined that most of these NDV isolates (70/77) recovered from the pigeons belonged to a relatively poorly studied sublineage VIb/2. The complete nucleotide sequence of the genome for the Pigeon/Russia/Vladimir/687/05 isolate of sub-lineage VIb/2 was determined.