Sequence Analysis of Fusion Gene of Newcastle Disease Viruses Isolated from Ostrich (Struthio camelus) in Iran, 2012

Background and Aims: Newcastle disease virus (NDV) infection have been established in at least 241species of birds representing 27 of the 50 orders of the class.NDV isolate were obtained from infected ostrich flock during the outbreaks of ND in Iran 2012. The F gene fragment which codes the main functional region of the F protein was obtained by RT-PCR and sequenced. Methods: From the pathotype prediction based on the cleavage site of the fusion protein, this isolate was placed into the velogenic group with the motif 112 RRQKRF 117. Results: Phylogenetic analysis based on a partial F gene sequence showed that the isolates from ostrich cluster together with concurrent isolates from poultry in Iran within the sub genotype VIId, which is the predominant pathogen involved currently in Newcastle disease outbreaks in poultry worldwide. Conclusion: This study adds to the understanding of the ecology of NDV in ostrich and emphasizes the need for constant surveillance in times of an ongoing and expanding epidemic of NDV. This finding is essential for improving the disease control strategies and development of vaccines for ND.