ORGAN DISTRIBUTION OF AVIAN POLYOMAVIRUS DNA AND VIRUS-NEUTRALIZING ANTIBODY-TITERS IN HEALTHY ADULT BUDGERIGARS

Tissue specimens and serum samples obtained from adult budgerigars in various stages of reproduction housed in an aviary with enzootic avian polyomavirus (APV) disease were examined by means of polymerase chain reaction techniques for APV DNA. Although the birds were apparently h ealthy, APV DNA could be detected in all 40 birds examined (inapparent infection rate, 100%). Viral DNA was found in most organ systems exam ined. Analysis of data suggested that organ virus concentrations were lower in breeding than in nonbreeding birds. Serum samples from 144 bi rds were examined for virus-neutralizing (VN) antibody. All serum samp les had detectable VN antibody titers. Determining VN titer had a sens itivity of 100% for detection of APV infection in birds and was more s ensitive than analysis of droppings by use of polymerase chain reactio n techniques to detect APV infection in G-month-old birds. Analysis of the data suggested that lower VN antibody titers were associated with longer duration of continuous breeding.