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Molecular assays for detection of falcon adenovirus

Correspondence: ¹Corresponding Author: Mark Schrenzel, Zoological Society of San Diego, Conservation and Research of Endangered Species, Beckman Building, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA 92027, e-mail: mschrenzel{at}sandiegozoo.org

Falcon adenovirus is a newly recognized member of the family Aviadenoviridae and includes 2 closely related strains that are pathogenic to several species of falcons. Peregrine falcons appear to be one of the primary reservoirs, but recent outbreaks suggest that other carrier species probably exist. To allow screening of captive birds for virus shedding and investigations of disease outbreaks, conventional and real-time, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays and an in situ hybridization technique were developed. The diagnostic protocols were used on tissue and fecal samples from 7 species or subspecies of falcons infected with adenovirus as well as adenoviruses from other birds and mammals. The assays were specific for falcon adenovirus and detected both strains of virus in fecal samples from living animals or frozen and formalin-fixed, paraffinized tissues. Together with established serologic tests for falcon adenovirus, these molecular assays are valuable tools for management and conservation of falcons in captivity and the wild.

Key Words: Adenovirus • falcon • in situ hybridization • PCR