Paramyxovirus infections occurs worldwide. Paramyxovirus infections Type II occurs in chicken and turkeys of all ages; PMV Type III occurs in turkeys, pigeons, pisttacine birds; PMV Type VI- turkeys.
Paramyxoviruses are single stranded, non-enveloped RNA viruses. PMV types I (NDV), II and III are serologically distinct.
- Causes of Paramyxovirus infections >
- Effects of Paramyxovirus infections >
- Diagnosis of Paramyxovirus infections >
- Treatment & Control of Paramyxovirus infections >
Causes of Paramyxovirus infections
Paramyxovirus (PVM) II affects chickens and turkeys; PMV III affects turkeys, pigeons and pisttacine birds; PMV VI affects turkeys. Birds of all ages can be affected. Paramyxovirus are single-stranded, nonenveloped RNA viruses. PMV I (Newcastle disease virus), PMV II and PMV III are all serologically distinct.
Mode of transmission
Spread is aerosol as with NDV.
Effects of Paramyxovirus infections
II produces a mild respiratory disease, sinusitis, elevated mortality, low egg production and reduce fertility and hatchability.
PMV III produces a mild respiratory disease with lower egg production and poor egg shell quality. PMV VI produces a mild respiratory disease and egg production losses.
Gross lesions
All PMV’s produce mucous in the nasal turbinates, sinuses, trachea and oedematous bronchi, parabronchi and lungs.
Diagnosis of Paramyxovirus infections
The clinical disease, and gross and microscopic lesions are helpful aids in the diagnosis. Isolation and identification of virus in chicken embryos or cell culture is necessary for a definitive diagnosis.
Serological analysis of antibodies against PMV’s using ELISA or hemagglutination inhibition is also helpful. It simulates NDV, IB, Coryza, chronic respiratory disease (CRD), and infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT).
Treatment & Control of Paramyxovirus infections
Prevention
An inactivated vaccine against PMV IV is available for use in turkeys or pigeons only.
Treatment
Antibiotics in feed and water for secondary invaders are helpful.
