Experimental avian PMV-2 infection in a domesticated wild host: daily behavior and effect on activity levels |
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Authors: | B B Goodman R P Hanson T C Moermond B M Christensen |
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Affiliation: | Department of Veterinary Science, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53706. |
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Abstract: | Paramyxovirus type 2 (PMV-2) isolated from wild birds is often considered non-pathogenic, but nothing is known about its effects on overall behavior and fitness of free-flying birds. Domestically bred, African cut-throat finches (Amadina fasciata), a species from which PMV-2 has been isolated in the wild, were inoculated with a Central American field strain of PMV-2. Patterns of behavior were examined before and after viral challenge to quantify inapparent, sublethal effects of the disease. Infected birds demonstrated a significant decrease in activity (P = 0.01) followed by an apparent recovery period. Antibody titers confirmed infection in inoculated birds and indicated that sentinel birds did not become infected. |
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