The Beak and Feather Disease Virus
The Beak and Feather Disease Virus (BFDV) is a circular or icosahedral, 14-16 nm diameter, single-stranded circular DNA, non-enveloped virus of between 1992 and 2018 nucleotides in the family Circoviridae.
It was first isolated and characterized by researchers Dr. David Pass of Murdoch University and Dr. Ross Perry from Sydney, with much work later continuing at the University of Georgia, USA, University of Sydney and Murdoch University in Perth, Western Australia. The virus was originally designated PCV (Psittacine Circovirus), but has since been renamed to "Beak and Feather Disease Virus", or BFDV. This is due in part, to the research confirming that this virus is the cause of the disease, and in part to avoid confusion with Porcine Circovirus, also called PCV.
As of 2012, there are two BFDV tests available: A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) qualitative test which is very sensitive, and can detect the virus in extremely small quantities, and a quantitative (Hemagglutination Assay/Hemagglutination Inhibition) test.
The virus remains viable in the environment for many years and is resistant to most disinfectants.
Read more about this topic: Psittacine Beak And Feather Disease
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