Isolation of a Papovavirus-like Agent from Young Budgerigars with Feather Abnormalities

Abstract

The outbreak of a feather abnormality known as "French molt" in young budgerigars was observed in a commercial breeding aviary. The disease of young birds (3 to 4 week of age) was characterized by the loss of flight and tail feathers. A papovavirus-like agent was isolated from the skin tissues, and liver and spleen specimens of 20 affected birds. Viral antigen was present in all sections of skin and kidney from affected birds.