Genetic characterization of a herpesvirus isolate from a superb starling (Lamprotornis superbus) as a psittacid herpesvirus genotype 1.

Four genotypes of the psittacid herpesvirus (PsHV) cause Pacheco disease in parrots. Viruses that are serologically cross-reactive to the PsHVs have also been isolated from passerine species. DNA was amplified from a herpesvirus isolated from a superb starling (Lamprotornis superbus) with PsHV-specific primers and polymerase chain reaction.