OCCURRENCE OF PARAMYXOVIRUS-1 (PMV 1) INFECTIONS IN PIGEONS

From 1992 to 1997 the occurrence of the paramyxovirus-l infection in p igeons in the region of Berlin-Brandenburg was examined. Using the hae magglutination inhibition test the presence of PMV 1/NDV could be demo nstrated indirectly. There was a rather high percentage (19.9%) of pig eon sera containing specific antibodies. Furthermore we isolated und c lassified PMV 1 from pigeons by standard methods, particular by intrac erebral pathogenicity index (ICPI) tests and binding studies using mon oclonal antibodies. From 66 paramyxovirus isolates we identified 50 pi geon-type PMV 1 and five velogen NDV isolates. The possible role and s ignificance of pigeons in: the epidemiology of PMV 1/NDV - infections are discussed.