Avian metapneumovirus subtype B field strains were detected in unvaccinated chickens in Greece, showing phylogenetic relatedness to recent Mediterranean strains and distance from current vaccines.
Observational
The study reports the first detection of aMPV subtype B in Greek chickens, highlighting the need for updated epidemiological surveillance as field strains diverge from current vaccines.
Avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) is considered a major pathogen for turkeys but its impact on chicken production is still partially neglected, even though it is fully acknowledged as a primary pathogen in chickens as well. The lack of structured diagnostic surveys does not allow a pervasive understanding of aMPV epidemiology. Being that aMPV is almost an everyday challenge for farmers and veterinarians, a more accurate report of its presence should be detailed, posing the basis for a deep and global epidemiologic analysis. With these premises, the present work aims to report the first detection and molecular characterization of aMPV subtype B field strains from unvaccinated chickens in Greece. The Greek strains appear to be phylogenetically related among each other and with other recent Mediterranean strains while being distant from the currently applied vaccines, thus stressing once more the necessity to evaluate aMPV diffusion and evolution.
Tucciarone et al. (2017) conducted an observational in Avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) infection. Avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) subtype B was evaluated on Detection and molecular characterization of aMPV subtype B. Avian metapneumovirus subtype B field strains were detected in unvaccinated chickens in Greece, showing phylogenetic relatedness to recent Mediterranean strains and distance from current vaccines.