Avian metapneumovirus in the USA

Control measures

aMPV isolated from a natural outbreak of the disease in Minnesota was adapted to monkey kidney cells (VERO) by serial passages. The 63rd passage was developed into a live commercial vaccine that is currently being used in the endemic areas in Minnesota and other neighboring states. The vaccine virus infects and replicates in the mucosal lining of the upper respiratory tract and induces an immune response. The efficacy of vaccine control of aMPV in the field is being examined by large scale field trials currently underway. It is believed that the use of the vaccine and improved biosecurity on the farm has reduced losses associated with immunosuppression caused by aMPV.

This information is supplied by Dr. Jagdev M. Sharma.