Adenovirus what do you think?

Roland · February 7, 2008

Quote: Dr. Nils Reither, 15th August 2007

Adenovirus is an increasing problem in pigeons.

Many new cases of adenovirus infections are seen this summer in Europe.

In my region, southern Norway, I have seen tens of cases of adeno virus infections, most in young birds, but occasionally also in elder birds

The symptoms have been less pronounced then years before, because we regurgitating has only been seen in a few cases. Wet droppings, loosing weight, and sitting fluffy without appetite are typical symptoms. From the crop and faces no special is found, and no salmonella is found. Occasionally coccids are found in the droppings, but this is quite normal even in complete healthy pigeons.

It is important to be sure no other disease are present, so a fully veterinarian examination is mandatory.

The treatment is supportive, including electrolytes in the water, isolation and rest, and antibiotics (Synulox is a good choice) for 7 days to avoid further bacterial problems.

It seems as Citromed in the drinking water prevent or at least restrict the spread if disease to only a few birds. Routinely use of Citromed in the drinking water during the racing season can therefore be a good “insurance”.

Dr. Nils Reither, 15th August 2007

Her a genaral overview:

Especially young racing pigeons are susceptible to this virus, because they get infected when sent in the basket with pigeons from other lofts.

The virus will, after being ingested, multiply in the digestive tract, injury the mucus membrane of the small bowel. This will result in inflammation of the mucus membrane and give symptoms.

First of all, the infected pigeon feel unwell. It will not fly much, will not come in to the loft, and will not eat. After a few hours the pigeon will regurgitate, and later on it will get loose droppings. In many cases the pigeon will die after a short period of disease. Some times you only find a dead pigeon on the loft, without having seen any symptoms. In such cases a necropsy will elucidate the cause of death.

The virus will spread quick to other pigeons, and in some cases all young pigeons can become sick, and as many as the half can die from the disease.

The prevention is not easy. Older pigeons can be carriers of the virus without showing any sign of disease. These pigeons have undergone an infection earlier in life, and have been "naturally vaccinated". But they carry the virus, and can shed viruses, which can harm young pigeons. It is therefore essential to keep the young pigeons away from the older birds. In another loft. Use other shoos, another jacket, and other equipment. It can also be a good idea to use a harmless disinfectant, like Citromed® in the drinking water to prevent virus form surviving in the crop after the pigeons have eaten and drunk.

There is a vaccine meant for adenovirus in poultry, which are used by several pigeon fanciers. The effect on pigeons is not clear, but it is not harmful to the pigeons.

Another virus, which can be involved in "intestinal problems of unknown course", is rotavirus. This is also a virus isolated form pigeons with diarrhoea. It is unclear whether the virus itself give the pigeon intestinal problems, or if the virus have a co-existence with adenovirus, bacteria or parasites.

At the moment we are working with a test, which can identify adenovirus and rotavirus. The test have been used at a number of pigeons which have bee tested.

Compared with the necropsy of young pigeons, which had died suddenly, we often found distended small intestines. In all of these cases adenovirus could be found. In a few cases rotavirus could also be found.

The test is a small plastic item where antibodies from adenovirus and rotavirus are placed in two zones. If the sample contain virus, there will be a chemical reaction, which will be visible as a blue stripe. If you see a stripe in this zone, the virus is present. If no stripe is visible after 10 minutes there is no virus. Quick and simple.

Test procedure:

Take a new swab for each sample:

1)Take a small sample of faeces or a rectal swab using the included swab.

2) Wash the swab in the buffer vial (fig. 1)

3) Let clots of faeces sink to the bottom (fig. 2)

4) Add 4 drops of the sample solution with the pipette to the strip (fig 3).

5) Read the result after 5 to 10 minutes.

6) Interpretation of the result:

Rota Positive:

Two red bands are visible, a low line in zone in zone 'C' and one in zone 'T' =>The sample contains rota antigen.

The pigeon is infected with Rota Virus.

Adeno Positive:

Two red bands are visible, a high line in zone in zone 'C' and one in zone 'T' =>The sample contains adeno antigen.

The pigeon is infected with Adeno Virus.

Negative:

Only one red band is visible in zone 'C' => the sample does not contain rota or adeno antigen. The pigeon is not infected.

Not valid:

No bands are visible, repeat the test with another strip.

The test is developed in conjunction with a well-recognized veterinary laboratory.

At the moment the test is being tried out by various institutions to ensure the sensitivity and specificity. That means that the test must tell the truth. We have already tested many pigeons, and found a high degree of agreement between what we see of symptoms on the pigeons, and necropsy (looking into dead pigeons), and the results of the tests.

The tests will be available for veterinarians and pigeon breeders very soon.

If you need further information you can contact veterinarian:

Dr.Nils Reither D.V.M.