Avian Metapneumovirus Subgroup C Infection in Chickens, China

Abstract

Avian metapneumovirus causes acute respiratory tract infection and reductions in egg production in various avian species. We isolated and characterized an increasingly prevalent avian metapneumovirus subgroup C strain from meat-type commercial chickens with severe respiratory signs in China. Culling of infected flocks could lead to economic consequences.

Keywords

• Avian metapneumovirus subgroup C
• Pneumovirinae
• Paramyxoviridae
• viruses
• chickens
• M gene sequencing