Pigeon herpes infection: Natural transmission of the disease

Studies on the persistence and transmission of pigeon herpesvirus (Pigeon Herpesvirus 1, PHV) in a dovecot containing pigeons which were naturally infected more than a year previously are reported. Three out of 10 mature pigeons were still shedding virus. They transmitted it to their offspring during the first days of life. Egg transmission of the disease seems unlikely since PHV could not be unmasked in cell cultures of embryos of contaminated pigeons. All mature pigeons possessed neutralizing antibodies. Parental passive immunity seems to be conferred on the squabs through the egg yolk and protects from the worst effects of infection. Seven of 10 squabs were asymptomatic carriers of the infectious agent after weani g although they were all devoid of detectable antibodies. © 1980.