A study on the chemical and physical inactivation of Avian bornavirus

Abstract

Avian bornavirus (ABV) is the etiological agent of Proventricular Dilatation Disease, a fatal neurological disease of pet and aviary kept Psittacine birds (parrots). ABV is believed to be transmitted through the fecal-oral route. Viral susceptibility to environmental factors, such as pH and drying, and to disinfectants is unknown. Knowledge of this susceptibility is needed by bird owners and aviculturists to assist in reducing environmental contamination and transmission of the virus. In this study, the effectiveness of three commonly used disinfectants, BacDown® Detergent Disinfectant, F10SC Veterinary Disinfectant, and Virkon® S, and the survivability of ABV at differing pH environments and to drying was evaluated.