Molecular detection of pigeon circoviruses in liver samples of dead pigeons suspected of circovirus infection

Abstract

Introduction: Young Pigeon Disease Syndrome (YPDS) is a disorder that results in deaths
in domestic and ornamental pigeons, especially after the race. Young pigeons are usually
less than one year old are affected and show nonspecific symptoms such as anorexia,
diarrhea, and accumulation of water and food in the crop. Pigeon circovirus (PiCV) has
recently been suggested as a potential contributor to YPDS.
Materials & Methods: In this study, which was performed for the first time in Khuzestan
province, 16 liver samples were collected from 16 dead pigeons in Ahvaz. The clinical
symptoms of sick birds in the herd included lethargy, anorexia, weight loss with watery
green and yellow diarrhea. Microtubes containing liver samples were sent to the laboratory
separately. DNA was extracted for the PCR test. Nested-PCR test was used to identify
pigeon circoviruses.
Result: The results of this study showed that circovirus was detected in 10 liver samples of
dead pigeons (62.5%), which is the first molecular detection of PiCV in liver samples of
dead pigeons in Ahvaz.
Conclusion: Due to the infection of pigeons in Ahvaz city with PiCV, this issue should be
considered during clinical examinations of pigeons that have symptoms such as sudden
death, vomiting, acute watery diarrhea, and weight loss, to be differentiated from similar
diseases and to use fair supportive medicine and prevent useless treatments.