A novel herpesvirus in a white stork associated with splenic and hepatic necrosis. (May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mack, Zoe E.; Bonar, Christopher J.; Garner, Michael M.; Connolly, Maren J.; Childress, April L.; Wellehan, James F. X.
• Is Part Of: Journal of veterinary diagnostic investigation. Volume 32:Number 3(2020:May)
• Page Start: 471
• Page End: 475
• Publication Date: 2020-05
• Subjects: Ciconia ciconia -- Herpesviridae -- herpesvirus -- white storks; Veterinary medicine -- Diagnosis -- Periodicals; 636.0896075
• DOI: 10.1177/1040638720915539
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1040-6387

Abstract

We identified a novel herpesvirus in a captive juvenile white stork ( Ciconia ciconia ) that experienced progressive weight loss followed by death. Histologic findings included severe splenic and hepatic necrosis, and intranuclear inclusion bodies in hepatocytes and unidentified splenic cells. The virus was amplified, sequenced, and subsequently accessioned as Ciconiid alphaherpesvirus 1. Phylogenetic analysis was performed and revealed that this virus is more closely related to mammalian herpesviruses than those within the genus Mardivirus . Additional sequence of viruses in this area may elucidate the ancestral virus that jumped from reptilian to mammalian hosts.