Highly pleomorphic (spherical to filamentous) but mostly rounded, single stranded, negative sense, non segmented, RNA-virus. Spherical particles are approximately 100-500nm in diameter; filamentous forms are usually approximately 100nm in width. Particles are enveloped, with tightly packed projections on the surface.
Genus: Metapneumovirus
Family: Paramyxoviridae
Subfamily: Pneumovirinae
Rather fragile virus
Able to withstand pH ranges of pH 3 – 9 depending on the strain, temperature and time of exposure
Inactivated after 30 minutes at 56°C
Sensitive to most common disinfectants
Infectivity of the virus is easily lost under adverse conditions. This should be kept in mind when handling live vaccines.
Electron micrograph of an Avian Metapneumovirus particle