Avian metapneumovirus in the USA

Current incidence in the U.S.A

At the present time, Minnesota is the major reservoir of aMPV. The virus is endemic in a number of counties within the state. There are no reliable estimates of the extent of distribution of the pathogenic field virus among commercial turkey flocks. Since August 1998, the Minnesota Board of Animal Health has been conducting a routine serologic surveillance program by examining ten birds for anti-aMPV antibodies from each flock submitted for processing. The antibodies are examined by a standard ELISA. According to this surveillance program, between 1998 and 2005, 40-60% of turkey flocks have tested positive for aMPV antibodies. Routine use of aMPV vaccines may have contributed to the antibodies detected in some of the positive flocks. The most recent testing in 2006 indicated that the incidence of positive flocks in Minnesota may be on the decline. In addition to Minnesota, aMPV positive turkey flocks have also been identified in the neighboring states of North and South Dakota, Wisconsin and Iowa. To date, aMPV has not been identified outside the Midwestern region of the U.S.A.

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