Deadly PABV-4 bird virus identified for first time in India, threatening endangered vultures
A deadly bird virus, Psittacine Adenovirus (PABV-4), has been identified for the first time in India, posing a significant threat to endangered vulture populations. Researchers at the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) found the virus in dead and genetically ill vultures from the Pinjore Conservation Breeding Centre in Haryana. PABV-4 causes severe gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases, leading to high mortality rates in psittacine birds and has been reported in other bird species globally. The discovery highlights the need for surveillance and conservation efforts to protect critically endangered vulture species, which are crucial for ecosystem health.
Key Points
- Psittacine Adenovirus (PABV-4), a deadly bird virus, has been detected for the first time in India.
- The virus was found in endangered vultures at the Pinjore Conservation Breeding Centre in Haryana.
- PABV-4 causes severe gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases and has a high mortality rate, particularly in psittacine birds.
- The discovery underscores the urgent need for enhanced surveillance and conservation strategies for critically endangered vulture species in India.
Exam Facts
- Virus name: Psittacine Adenovirus (PABV-4).
- Location of discovery: Pinjore Conservation Breeding Centre, Haryana.
- Research institutes: Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI).
- Affected species: Vultures (endangered).
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