genomics metagenomics parrot phylogenetics virome Abbreviations AGRF, Australian genome research facility BFDV, beak and feather disease virus CTCPaV, chestnut teal chaphamaparvovirus cDNA, complementary DNA EDTA, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid IUCN, International Union for Conservation of Nature ORF, open reading frames PBFD, psittacine beak and feather disease PsChPV‐6, psittaciform chaphamaparvovirus ssDNA, single‐stranded DNA
Birds are known to harbour a wide range of pathogenic viruses, including the beak and feather disease virus (BFDV; species, Circovirus parrot), which poses a significant threat to the conservation of endangered avian species. This study reports the genomic identification and characterisation of a novel psittaciform chaphamaparvovirus (PsChPV-6) and BFDV, sequenced from the faecal samples of healthy Alexandrine parakeets (Psittacula eupatria). PsChPV-6 is a linear, single-stranded DNA virus consisting of 4232 nucleotides (nt) with a high A + T content and five predicted open reading frames (ORFs). Key proteins encoded by PsChPV-6, such as the nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) and major capsid protein VP1, demonstrate strong sequence similarities to other avian parvoviruses, with conserved motifs in NS1 crucial for viral replication. The presence of a previously uncharacterised ORF1 region suggests strain-specific viral features that warrant further exploration. BFDV is a circular single-stranded DNA virus in the Circoviridae family and was also identified in the samples. Phylogenetic analysis positioned PsChPV-6 within the Chaphamaparvovirus genus, closely related to par-voviruses from diverse avian species, whereas BFDV was grouped with strains from Australian cockatoos and other nonpsittacine birds, suggesting potential cross-species transmission. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the genetic diversity and evolutionary dynamics of these viral pathogens in bird populations, underscoring the importance of ongoing surveillance to evaluate their ecological and veterinary impacts.
Details
Title
Opportunistic sampling from the near-threatened Alexandrine parakeet uncovers genomes of a novel parvovirus and beak and feather disease virus
Authors/Creators
S. Sarker - La Trobe University
Natalie Klukowski - La Trobe University
S. Talukder
A. Athukorala
Jasim Uddin - Murdoch University, Centre for Animal Production and Health
Publication Details
Australian veterinary journal, Vol.103(7), pp.416-421
Publisher
John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Australian Veterinary Association.