Comparative Study on the Clinico-Pathological Response of the Collared Dove (Streptopelia roseogrisea arabica) and Pigeons (Columba livia) to Experimental Infection with the Pigeon Paramyxovirus-1

The present study constitutes the first record of susceptibility of the dove species Streptopelia roseogrisea arabica to the Pigeon Paramyxovirus-1 (PPMV-1). This dove is native to Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. So, it was novel to explore its susceptibility to the PPMV-1, as it may have an epidemiological significance for this disease in the region and internationally. The close comparative study, to examine the response of this dove in relation to that in pigeons to the PPMV-1, indicated that both species succumbed to the disease. Typical clinico-pathological picture was recorded in both species. However, variation was noted and discussed. The virus was reisolated from all the infected birds of the two species and they seroconverted. The possible role of this dove species, in the epidemiology of the PPMV-1 in the region was discussed.