Evolution of Beak and Feather Disease Virus across Three Decades of Conservation Intervention for Population Recovery of the Mauritius Parakeet

Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) are key contributors to the current global biodiversity crisis. Psittaciformes (parrots) one of most vulnerable avian taxa and psittacine beak feather disease (PBFD) is common viral in wild parrots. PBFD caused by virus (BFDV), which belongs Circoviridae family comprises a circular, single-stranded DNA genome. BFDV considered have spread rapidly across world and, 2005, an outbreak was documented recovering population Mauritius parakeet (Alexandrinus eques). The once world’s rarest parrot has been successfully recovered through 30 years intensive conservation management. Molecular surveillance for prevalence carried out 24-year sample archive spanning period from 1993 2017, sequencing positive individuals provided opportunity assess patterns phylogenetic haplotype diversity. Phylogenetic analyses show variation extent diversification within replicase protein (Rep). Timeseries number haplotypes reveal that two subsequent waves infection occurred 2010/2011 2013/2014 following initial 2005. Continued determine frequency intensity may benefit future translocation/reintroduction planning. continued growth despite presence bodes well its long-term persistence.