Characterization of the first columbid herpesvirus 1 isolate from a hybrid meat-type pigeon flock in China.

Infections of pigeons with herpesviruses have been described in several species of domestic and wild birds. In July 2012, increased mortality was observed in a hybrid meat-type pigeon flock in Beijing, China. Diagnostic tests led to the isolation of a virus designated columbid herpesvirus 1 BJ strain (CoHV-1BJ). Sequence analysis of the viral DNA polymerase catalytic subunit gene revealed a single open reading frame of 3753 nt encoding 1250 amino acids. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the CoHV-1BJ is closely related to the members of the genus Mardivirus within the subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae. An experimental infection demonstrated that CoHV-1BJ is pathogenic to young pigeons, resulting in systemic infection with scattered focal necrosis in the liver and spleen. The results provide an initial assessment of herpesvirus infection in domestic pigeons in China.