Risk assessment of avian paramyxoviruses 2 – 21

Avian paramyxoviruses 2–21 (APMV-2 to 21) belong to the genera Ortho-, Meta-, and Paraavulavirus within the Paramyxoviridae family. Together, these genera are classified in the subfamily Avulavirinae. APMVs are highly similar to the best-characterized representative of the avulaviruses, Newcastle disease virus (also known as APMV-1, species Avian orthoavulavirus 1). APMV-1 has been classified by the Central Committee of the German Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (ZKBS) in Risk Group 2.

All APMVs have a genome consisting of single-stranded (-) RNA and are presumably distributed worldwide. In addition to APMV-1, APMVs-2 to 9 have also been found in wild birds and poultry from various countries. Little is known so far about APMVs-10 to 21. However, several of the more recently identified APMVs have been isolated from penguins. Mice and hamsters have been infected, at least experimentally, with various APMVs, and the animals showed no or only very mild clinical symptoms. Natural infections of humans with APMV have not been described to date, but they cannot be ruled out, since at least APMV-2 has also been isolated from cynomolgus monkeys.

Depending on the host species, APMV-2, -3, -4, -6, and -7 cause mild to moderate respiratory disease, particularly in birds. APMV-5, however, causes severe disease in budgies, associated with torticollis, diarrhea, dyspnea, and high mortality. APMV-8 to 21 have not yet been associated with a natural clinical picture in birds or other animal species.

Based on the available data and the criteria from the GenTSV, the ZKBS classifies APMV-2 to -21 as donor and recipient organisms for genetic engineering work in risk group 2. APMV-2 to -21 have so far been poorly characterized, but presumably have a broad host spectrum, which can include not only birds but also mice, hamsters, and possibly even humans. Since APMVs are highly similar to one another and some representatives have been shown to be pathogenic to various birds, a low risk potential of all APMVs (particularly for poultry) cannot be ruled out. It must be considered that APMV can probably be transmitted via both the respiratory and fecal-oral routes.

The statement can be accessed under the reference number 6790-05-02-0072.