The emergence of the pigeon rotavirus A G18P[17] infection is raising concerns among avian veterinarians and pigeon breeders. This novel strain, identified through extensive research conducted at the National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST), marks the first recorded case of Pigeon Rotavirus A (pRVA) infection within Taiwan, originating from archived samples collected as far back as 2018.
Rotaviruses are known to be significant pathogens within avian species, often leading to severe economic losses due to decreased productivity. Diseases caused by these viruses, including young pigeon disease syndrome (YPDS), can lead to high morbidity rates among affected populations. The recent analysis of 225 pigeon liver samples, primarily collected from Pingtung County between 2018 and 2023, utilized PCR methods to successfully identify the presence of pRVA.
Among the samples tested, only one from 2018 was positive for the virus, and subsequent genome sequencing revealed it belongs to the genotype G18P[17]-I4-R4-C4-M4-A4-T4-N4-E19-H4. Significantly, this isolate, designated NPUST-001, stands as the earliest rotavirus A isolate of this genotype reported from domestic pigeons within the Asian region. The pRVA identified here shares considerable genetic similarities with strains found previously in other countries such as the United States and mainland China.
"The first coding-complete genome of this virus from Taiwan was successfully sequenced, showing isolate NPUST-001 belongs to genotype G18P[17]-I4-R4-C4-M4-A4-T4-N4-E19-H4," stated the study's authors. The results suggest the virus had established its presence without significant outbreaks being documented, prompting calls for improved surveillance protocols among pigeon populations to monitor potential future infections.
While only one infection was confirmed among the majority of samples collected from reportedly healthy pigeons disqualified from racing, the findings are significant. The research highlights potential health risks and the need to inform local breeders about the virulence of pRVA, as it can present clinically with symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea, similar to those associated with YPDS.
Active local surveillance of pRVA is recommended to gain comprehensive insights on the epidemiology of this virus and help develop strategies to mitigate its impact on pigeon health. The study corroborates the interconnectedness of bird populations and how diseases can transcend geographic boundaries, reinforcing the importance of monitoring avian viruses on multiple fronts.
Overall, this research elucidates the necessity for heightened attention to the threats posed by rotaviruses to both domestic and wild avian species, particularly within regions like Taiwan where pigeon racing is prevalent and economically significant. Further investigations are encouraged to explore the lineage of these viruses and the patterns of their spread, potentially informing public health efforts to control similar outbreaks of infectious diseases within avian populations worldwide.