Virome of Australia's most endangered parrot in captivity evidenced of harboring hitherto unknown viruses

Natalie Klukowski; Paul Eden; Muhammad Jasim Uddin; Subir Sarker

doi:10.1128/spectrum.03052-23

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Virome of Australia's most endangered parrot in captivity evidenced of harboring hitherto unknown viruses

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Virome of Australia's most endangered parrot in captivity evidenced of harboring hitherto unknown viruses

Natalie Klukowski, Paul Eden, Muhammad Jasim Uddin and Subir Sarker

Microbiology spectrum, Vol.12(1), e03052-23

2023

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.03052-23

PMID: 38047696

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Abstract

The detection of emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) within endangered animal populations is increasing rapidly because of many factors, such as anthropogenic influences and climate change. Their impacts can be extensive and may further contribute to the processes risking the threat of extinction of these species. EIDs may be caused by a range of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi. However, detection and diagnosis can be challenging with limited knowledge of existing pathogens in endangered wildlife. The critically endangered orange-bellied parrot (OBP, Neophema chrysogaster), with as few as 70 wild individuals, is a species at risk of extinctions, yet little research has been conducted into their existing viral diversity (virome). To determine the virome in a subset of the captive OBP population, this study characterized the fecal virome using a viral metagenomic approach. Analysis of the generated sequence data sets identified 11 viruses belonging to the families Adenoviridae, Circoviridae, Parvoviridae, and Picornaviridae. Strikingly, eight viruses were detected in the OBPs housed in Aviary 1 compared to only three viruses in OBPs housed at Aviary 2. In addition to detecting six novel viruses, this study also demonstrated ongoing infection with psittacine siadenovirus F. This study highlights the need to broaden this research to other populations of this species. Further virome characterization of co-habiting birds could also identify potential novel viruses and provide insight into their evolutionary relationship. These findings may contribute to strategic management and biosecurity plans for the conservation of endangered parrots.

Details

Title: Virome of Australia's most endangered parrot in captivity evidenced of harboring hitherto unknown viruses
Authors/Creators: Natalie Klukowski - La Trobe University
Paul Eden - Zoos Victoria
Muhammad Jasim Uddin - Murdoch University
Subir Sarker - La Trobe University
Publication Details: Microbiology spectrum, Vol.12(1), e03052-23
Publisher: American Society for Microbiology
Identifiers: 991005620961007891
Murdoch Affiliation: School of Veterinary Medicine; Centre for Animal Production and Health; Harry Butler Institute
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration
Citation topics: 1 Clinical & Life Sciences; 1.104 Virology - General; 1.104.1933 Porcine Viral Challenges
Web Of Science research areas: Microbiology
ESI research areas: Microbiology