Parrot Bornavirus-4 (PaBV-4)
Prelims:
Environment & Ecology, Science & Technology
Mains:
GS Paper III-Environment, Science & Technology
Current relevance:Scientists from the Assam Veterinary and Fishery University (AVFU) have identified and genetically characterised Parrot Bornavirus-4 (PaBV-4) for the first time in India.
Highlights:
Researchers have identified and genetically characterised Parrot Bornavirus-4 (PaBV-4) in captive psittacine birds, marking its first confirmed detection in India.
Parrot Bornavirus-4 (PaBV-4):
It is a highly pathogenic virus belonging to the species Orthobornavirus alphapsittaciforme.
It primarily infects psittacine birds (parrots and related species) and is one of the major causes of Proventricular Dilatation Disease (PDD).
Proventricular Dilatation Disease (PDD):
It is a largely fatal viral disease affecting the digestive and nervous systems of birds.
Common symptoms include weight loss, regurgitation, neurological disorders, digestive dysfunction, and sudden death.
Significance:
The discovery highlights the importance of early disease surveillance, biosecurity measures, screening of imported birds, and monitoring wildlife diseases to protect both captive and endangered bird populations.