Fatal avian polyomavirus infection during quarantine in adult wild-caught red-faced lovebirds (Agapornis pullaria)

An outbreak of avian polyomavirus infection is reported in a group of six wild-caught red-forced lovebirds (Agapornis pullaria), all of which died during quarantine. The birds had nor. shown any previous symptoms. Histologic examination of the lungs, kidneys, livers, and spleens revealed the presence of basophilic intranuclear inclusions. Avian polyomavirus was isolated from the liver and the spleen. Neutralizing antibodies were detected in the sera from other lovebirds (Agapornis personata, Agapornis taranta) that had contact with the A. pullaria. A serologic comparison showed a dose relationship with budgerigar polyomavirus.