Vertical transmission of avian bornavirus in Psittaciformes: avian bornavirus RNA and anti-avian bornavirus antibodies in eggs, embryos, and hatchlings obtained from infected sun conures (Aratinga solstitialis).

Fertilized eggs were obtained from four pairs of sun conures (Aratinga solstitialis) infected with avian bornavirus (ABV) genotype 2, as determined by the sequence of the P24 gene. ABV RNA could be detected in early embryos of all four pairs. ABV RNA also was detected in brain, liver, and eyes of late-stage embryos of one of the pairs (Pair 4) and in blood of a 2-wk-old hatchling of this pair, demonstrating that vertical transmission can occur.

Diagnosis of Avian bornavirus infection in psittaciformes by serum antibody detection and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assay using feather calami.

Avian bornavirus (ABV) is the causative agent of proventricular dilatation disease (PDD), a highly devastating and contagious disease of psittacines (parrots and parakeets), which has resulted in the death of many captive birds. Accurate diagnosis of bornavirus infection is therefore important for the identification and isolation of infected birds. The current study showed that nonvascular contour (chest) feather calami provide a ready and minimally invasive source of RNA for the detection of ABV by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).