Avian paramyxoviruses

Abstract

Avian paramyxoviruses (APMVs) are well-known infectious agents of the avian species. These viruses belong to the family Paramyxoviridae under genus Avulavirus. APMV outbreaks produce serious economic impact worldwide by implementing significant trade restrictions and escalating costs of production from culling and quarantines for the infected regions. As APMVs affect domestic, wild and migratory bird species, their surveillance is under-reported. Thus it results in a lack of control measures and fuel evolution of its new serotypes. Scientists all over the world have reported till date 18 serotypes of APMV. The following chapter provides a glimpse of isolation, genome integrity and pathogenicity of the confirmed strains. The precise interpretation of the molecular nature of the emerging APMV strains could help researchers to develop suitable means for their management. APMVs are excellent vectors for vaccine use and are oncolytic in nature. Therefore, a good understanding of this group of viruses could benefit humankind.