DIAGNOSIS OF POLYOMAVIRUS INFECTION IN SEEDCRACKERS (PYRENESTES SP) AND BLUE BILLS (SPERMOPHAGA-HAEMATINA) USING DNA IN-SITU HYBRIDIZATION

Avian polyomavirus (APV) infection was diagnosed in a closed research colony of seedcrackers (Pyrenestes sp.) and blue-bills (Spermophaga haematina) using DNA zn situ hybridization. The DNA probe was a 1-kbp double-stranded PCR-generated probe that recognized a conserved nucleotide sequence within the VP-1 gene. Using this technique, APV infection was diagnosed in 25 of 45 birds based upon examination of formalin-fixed paraffin embedded tissues. Birds infected with APV apparently had a higher incidence of hepatic necrosis, hepatitis, bacterial infections and parasitism than did birds without APV.