Parrot Bornavirus 4 (PaBV-4) identified for first time in India

A team of Indian scientists has identified and genetically characterised Parrot Bornavirus 4 (PaBV-4) for the first time in India, marking a significant advancement in avian disease research.

• The discovery raises concerns about the health of exotic pet birds, captive breeding programmes, and the conservation of threatened parrot species.
• Parrot Bornavirus 4 (PaBV-4) is commonly associated with Proventricular Dilatation Disease (PDD), a severe neurological and digestive disorder in parrots.
• PDD damages the bird’s nervous system, impairing the functioning of the digestive tract and reducing its ability to properly digest and absorb food, often leading to rapid death.
• Researchers have emphasised that the finding highlights the need for enhanced surveillance, disease monitoring, and biosecurity measures in aviaries, breeding centres, and among exotic pet birds.

About Psittacine Birds

• Psittacine refers to birds belonging to the order Psittaciformes and the family Psittacidae, commonly known as parrots.
• The group includes several popular pet and wild bird species, such as: Budgerigars (Budgies), Cockatiels, Cockatoos, Lovebirds, Macaws and Parakeets.
• Many psittacine species are of high conservation importance, and disease outbreaks in captive populations can pose risks to both wildlife conservation and the pet bird trade.
• The identification of PaBV-4 in India is expected to support early diagnosis, improved disease surveillance, and better management practices for protecting captive and wild parrot populations.

Source: The Hindu

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