Characterization of the Pathogenicity and Replication of Type I Pigeon Adenovirus.
Wang Y, Liu L, Nie X, Ren W, Li N, He M, Sun Y, Han H, Zhang Y, Xu C, Guo Z, Wang Z, Li X, Zhao Z · Veterinary Journal · 12 March 2026
Type I PiAdV causes 100% mortality in pigeons with liver-targeted replication and indirect transmissibility.
This study characterized type I pigeon adenovirus (PiAdV) isolated from an infected pigeon in Shanxi, China, examining its replication capacity, pathogenicity, transmissibility, and morphogenesis. The infected pigeons exhibited clinical signs including dyspnea, indigestion, and growth retardation, with 100% mortality observed. PiAdV demonstrated transmissibility through indirect contact among pigeons. Histopathological examination revealed the liver as a primary target organ with significant pathological damage. Viral morphogenesis analysis showed progressive assembly of mature virions within hepatocytes, with characteristic honeycomb-like viral factories forming in cell nuclei. These findings indicate that type I PiAdV possesses considerable pathogenic and transmissible potential, representing a significant threat to pigeon health and breeding operations. The authors emphasize the urgent need for vaccine development and antiviral therapeutics to control viral spread and reduce economic losses in commercial pigeon operations.
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