Isolation and identification of psittacid herpesvirus 1 from imported psittacines in South Africa.
Acute deaths occurred in 47 out of a total of 131 imported psittacine birds whilst in quarantine. Few and non-specific clinical signs were seen during the course of the disease outbreak, but gross pathology revealed severe hepatomegaly and splenomegaly. A herpes virus was isolated from liver and spleen material taken from 2 birds, an Amazon (Amazona aestiva aestiva) and a Yellow-collared macaw (Ara auricollis). Identification procedures included virus neutralisation tests carried out in chicken embryo fibroblast cultures. Neutralisation of the virus was obtained by antisera to Psittacid herpesvirus type 1 (HV1) but not against HV2 or HV3.
Horner
R F
RF
Allerton Regional Veterinary Laboratory, Pietermaritzburg, Republic of South Africa.
Parker
M E
ME
Abrey
A N
AN
Kaleta
E F
EF
Prozesky
L
L
D000818:Animals; D001715:Bird Diseases / Q000382:microbiology*; D006564:Herpesviridae / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006566:Herpesviridae Infections / Q000382:microbiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D008099:Liver / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D011563:Psittaciformes; D013019:South Africa