Vetnews June 2024 - Pigeon Paramyxovirus (PPMV-1) of Pigeons

Introduction

Avian paramyxoviruses (APMV) recently re-classified as Avulaviruses (AaV) are pathogenic, negative-sense RNA viruses that cause serious respiratory, central nervous system and enteric diseases of a variety of domestic and wildlife avian species.  There are currently 22 unique subtypes or serotypes (1–22) of avian paramyxovirus, which are classified into three distinct genera according to the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses: metaavulavirus (serotypes – 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22), orthoavulavirus (serotypes – 1, 9, 12, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19), and paraavulavirus (serotypes – 3, 4). Avian orthoavulavirus-1 (previously Avian Paramyxovirus-1) is the causative agent of Newcastle Disease in Poultry. This new avian avulavirus terminology has still not been widely adopted and the World Organization of Animal Health – WOAH (previously WHO) still prefer the use of avian paramyxovirus as synonymous with avian avulavirus.