Avian fowlpox: launch of services and NewGene PVAmp kit for disease diagnosis
Simbios Biotecnologia is expanding its line of molecular diagnostic solutions for poultry farming with the launch of new services and products dedicated to detecting the fowlpox virus (FWPV), the etiological agent of avian fowlpox in chickens and turkeys. The new offerings include PV testing (diagnosis by qPCR) and PVSeq (genotyping and phylogenetic analysis via sequencing), as well as the NewGene PVAmp kits (master mix) and PVRef (positive control).
FWPV (species Avipoxvirus fowlpox) is a complex cytoplasmic DNA virus from the Poxviridae family that has shown a significant increase in outbreak occurrences in recent years, attributed to the emergence of new variants. It is believed that the pathogenicity of these new strains is intensified by the integration of reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV) sequences into the FWPV genome, making them more virulent.
Avian fowlpox is a highly contagious disease affecting both domestic and wild birds, with two distinct clinical forms:
- Cutaneous form: characterized by proliferative lesions and scabs on featherless areas of the skin, such as around the eyes, beak, nostrils, legs, and cloaca.
- Diphtheritic form: involving the larynx and mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract (mouth, pharynx, and esophagus), with proliferative necrotic lesions that hinder breathing and feeding.
Transmission occurs through direct contact between birds, inhalation of dust and aerosols, exposure to contaminated scabs, or insect vector bites. Control measures are based on good management practices and vaccination, which are the most effective forms of prevention.
Diagnosis is based on identifying characteristic macroscopic and microscopic lesions, but laboratory confirmation is required, with PCR standing out in this context. Traditional methods such as histopathology, electron microscopy, viral isolation in the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of embryonated eggs, and serology, while reliable, are slower and require greater specialization. In contrast, the qPCR offered by Simbios in analysis services and in the NewGene PVAmp kit ensures high sensitivity and specificity in virus detection, resulting in a reliable diagnosis for:
- Early identification: detection of the virus before lesions become apparent, facilitating containment measures.
- Differential diagnosis: assists in distinguishing avian fowlpox from other infections with similar symptoms, such as infectious laryngotracheitis (ILTV).
- Strain characterization: DNA sequencing enables identification of the strain involved in an outbreak and, potentially, the detection of associated viral sequences such as REV (reticuloendotheliosis virus), allowing for more appropriate control strategies.
In addition to NewGene PVAmp, we offer the PVRef positive control, which ensures validation of each test run, translating into result reliability, traceability, and safety.
This launch reinforces Simbios’s commitment to providing molecular diagnostic solutions that raise the standards of animal health and boost productivity in poultry farming. The most comprehensive line of molecular products and services on the market now includes this important innovation.
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