Borna disease in ostriches
Malkinson, M.; Weisman, Y.; Ashash, E.; Bode, L.; Ludwig, H.
Veterinary Record 133(12): 304
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 8204140 Document Number: 405502
The detection of Borna disease virus (BDV) specific antigen in 7 of 13 brains from birds with a spastic paretic condition and from the brain of one healthy bird from a farm with diseased birds is reported. Antigen was detected by a highly sensitive modified ELISA. By co-cultivation of tissues from an infected bird with several cell lines, viral antigen was also detected by immunofluorescence at the fourth serial passage using adult ostrich serum and confirmed with a monoclonal mouse antibody. The virus showed no cytopathogenic effects. This is the first report of natural Borna disease in ostriches.