Veterinarija ir Zootechnika

Pigeons are highly susceptible to Newcastle disease virus (NDV) infection, which causes economic losses in terms of increased mortalities, immunosuppression, vaccination costs, and probable trade restrictions. NDV belongs to the avian paramyxovirus serotype 1 (APMV-1). The antigenic variant of APMV-1 is termed as pigeon paramyxovirus type 1 (PPMV-1), which is classified in the genus Avulavirus of the subfamily Paramyxovirinae and family Paramyxoviridae. Infections of pigeons with PPMV-1 have been detected since the 1930s, and the virus is still circulating in many countries until now. Domestic, feral, and racing pigeons, doves, and exotic birds are susceptible to PPMV-1 infection. The virus is rapidly spreading between birds through the horizontal route. Infected pigeons may show circling, ataxia, torticollis, head and neck tremors and twisting, leg and wing paralysis, greenish diarrhea, respiratory signs, and polyuria. Some pigeons could be infected with PPMV-1 without apparent signs, and they act as reservoirs for other domestic or free-living birds. The diagnosis of suspected PPMV-1 cases is based mainly on the isolation and identification of the virus, serological detection of specific antibodies, and molecular characterization of the virus. Adoption of strict biosecurity measures as well as vaccination using traditional live or inactivated NDV or even the specific PPMV-1 vaccines are the gold standard methods for preventing pigeons from such infection. Therefore, this review article was designed to focus on PPMV-1 infection regarding the virus characteristics, epidemiology, diagnosis, human infection, and control.