Polyomavirus infections in exotic birds in Switzerland

Polyomavirus infections in budgerigars; in other parrots as well as in pass eriformes have been described in many countries, but not in Switzerland so far. This paper reports on cases of polyomavirus infections in three differ ent bird collections in Switzerland. The first outbreak occured in a mixed collection of passeriformes, the second in a collection of parrotlets (Genu s: Forpus), and the third in a large groups of parrots (Psittaciformes), of which only one recently acquired Kea (Nestor notabilis) was affected. The clinical symptoms, gross necropsy changes and histopathologic, findings are described. The presence of avian polyomavirus was confirmed by the polymer ase chain reaction (PCR).