CONCLUSIONS

The avian polyomavirus is a single virus with a broad host range. Its ability to infect and cause disease in birds is dependent on the age of the bird, the species of the bird, the immune status of the bird, and other poorly understood factors. It is first necessary to understand the complex biology of this virus before the practitioner or the aviculturalist can begin to choose the appropriate strategies to control it. Sadly, many unsubstantiated claims have been made about this virus, APV testing, and the value of the APV vaccine. These claims have cost time and money to disprove and worst of all have created confusion in the aviculture and veterinary communities. It is hoped that this article will result in an open and frank discourse about what we know and do not know about the control of APV. None of us know all there is to know about APV and new findings will undoubtably modify our understanding of it. It is therefore essential that all views in the discussion of this virus and disease be heard and that all possibilities be considered.

APV SEROLOGY (virus neutralization assay)

c/o Dr. David Phalen
Department of Large Animal Medicine and Surgery
Texas A&M University
College Station, TX 77843-4475

This assay is run once a week and takes 4 days till completion.

Serum or plasma separated from the blood is necessary for this assay.

There is a $5.00 per sample for this assay.

BLOOD AND CLOACAL PCR FOR APV AND BLOOD FOR PBFDV

Research Assocaites
100 Techne Center Drive
Suite 101
Milford, Ohio 45150
513-248-4700

TABLE 1. RELATIVE SPECIES SUSCEPTIBILITY TO APV DISEASE: PSITTACINE BIRDS

HIGHLY SUSCEPTIBLE

1. Macaws
2. Conures
3. Eclectus Parrots
4. Budgerigars
5. Lovebirds
6. Ringnecked Parakeets
7. Caiques

INFREQUENTLY REPORTED WITH DISEASE

1. Cockatiels
2. Lorikeets
3. Amazons
4. Hawkheaded Parrots

DISEASE IS RARELY OR NEVER SEEN

1. Cockatoos
2. African Grey Parrots
3. Quaker Parrots

DISTRIBUTION OF APV CASES

TABLE 1. RELATIVE SPECIES SUSCEPTIBILITY TO APV DISEASE: PSITTACINE BIRDS

1. Exposure at bird shows, sales, and fairs.
2. Movement of birds in and out of the aviary.
3. Mixed collections of birds. Especially those containing lovebirds, budgerigars, and cockatiels.
4. Psittacine Beak and Feather Virus infected birds on the premises.
5. Chicks from various sources being raised in the same nursery.
6. Birds of susceptible ages in pet stores.
7. Failure to quarantine new birds or inappropriate quarantine procedures.
8. Failure to test new birds brought into the aviary.