Avian Bornaviral Ganglioneuritis in Clinical Practice

Avian Borna virus (ABV) has been shown to be a causative agent of Proventricular Dilatation Disease in birds. The avian Bornaviradae represent a genetically diverse group of viruses that are widely distributed in captive and wild populations around the world. They are widely distributed in tissues of affected birds and generally produce a non-suppurative ganglioneuritis in the gastro-intestinal tract and central nervous system. Diseased birds may or may not demonstrate ABV ribonucleic acid on ante-mortem tests or test positive on serological assays. Alternatively, clinically normal individuals may test positive on molecular and serological assays. The route of transmission in natural infections has not been thoroughly ascertained. Management of affected birds is beneficial and currently centered at reducing neurological inflammation, managing secondary complications, and providing nutritional support.