Experimental avian PMV-2 infection in a domesticated wild host: daily behavior and effect on activity levels.
Paramyxovirus type 2 (PMV-2) isolated from wild birds is often considered non-pathogenic, but nothing is known about its effects on overall behavior and fitness of free-flying birds. Domestically bred, African cut-throat finches (Amadina fasciata), a species from which PMV-2 has been isolated in the wild, were inoculated with a Central American field strain of PMV-2. Patterns of behavior were examined before and after viral challenge to quantify inapparent, sublethal effects of the disease. Infected birds demonstrated a significant decrease in activity (P = 0.01) followed by an apparent recovery period. Antibody titers confirmed infection in inoculated birds and indicated that sentinel birds did not become infected.
Goodman
B B
BB
Department of Veterinary Science, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53706.
Hanson
R P
RP
Moermond
T C
TC
Christensen
B M
BM
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000818:Animals; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D001522:Behavior, Animal; D001715:Bird Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001717:Birds; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D005260:Female; D006385:Hemagglutination Inhibition Tests; D006799:Housing, Animal; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D010252:Paramyxoviridae / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification; D010253:Respirovirus Infections / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000662:veterinary*
D000914:Antibodies, Viral