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Deadly Bird Virus Found in India for First Time
11 Jul
Summary
- Parrot Bornavirus 4, a fatal illness, detected in India.
- Nearly half of tested birds carried the virus, many asymptomatic.
- Global bird trade is linked to the virus's international spread.
A significant threat to India's exotic pet industry and wildlife conservation has emerged with the first-ever detection of Parrot Bornavirus 4 (PaBV-4). This highly contagious virus, responsible for Proventricular Dilateral Disease (PDD), affects the nervous and digestive systems of birds.
Researchers from Assam Veterinary and Fishery University collected samples from 83 birds over four years, finding the virus in 44% of them. Alarmingly, 19% of seemingly healthy birds tested positive, highlighting the potential for silent spread within aviaries. The virus was identified in parrots, macaws, parakeets, lovebirds, budgies, and cockatoos across public aviaries in Assam, West Bengal, and Karnataka.
Genetic sequencing confirmed the PaBV-4 strain matches those found internationally in countries like the US and Japan. Scientists attribute its spread to the global commercial bird trade, both legal and illegal. This outbreak poses a serious risk to captive breeding programs for near-threatened and endangered avian species.
