AMPV first appears in Canada

Canada had always declared avian metapneumovirus (MPVa) as a never reported disease, today, 41 cases have been declared, 34 in Ontario and 7 in Manitoba.

Avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) is a virus that causes turkey viral rhinotracheitis (TRT) in turkeys and infectious swollen head syndrome (SHS) in chickens or decreases in production with altered egg quality and associated with respiratory discomfort in laying hens, breeders, and ducks. Metapneumovirus is classified into four subtypes, A, B, C and D. The first two subtypes are the most important in poultry production, with evidence of global dominance of subtype B compared to A.

Epidemiological studies provide evidence of the circulation of aMPV in wild birds, particularly water-associated species. The virus has also been detected in pheasants, Muscovy ducks and guinea fowl. Geese, pigeons, and some species of ducks are said to be resistant to the disease. The infection with aMPV is often complicated by secondary bacterial infections, resulting in high economic losses.

Canada had always declared aMPV as an “unreported disease” until May 7, the day the CFIA reported the first appearance on a commercial turkey farm in Ontario. The virus has also spread to commercial broiler farms. Today, 34 cases have been reported in Ontario, 17 on commercial turkey farms, 16 on broiler farms and 1 on a backyard farm. On May 21, Manitoba reported its first case on a commercial turkey farm, today a total of 7 cases have been reported, including 5 on commercial turkey farms, 1 case on a broiler farm and, 1 cas in a mixed broiler and turkey farm.

Viral rhinotracheitis in turkey is an immediately notifiable disease of the CFIA, however, there is no control or eradication program in place and the CFIA does not mandate the destruction of positive flocks. All Canadian laboratories are required to contact the CFIA regarding suspected or diagnosed animal diseases.

In the United States, the USDA has been reporting for years that MPVa is present. But since late December 2023, a fast-spreading respiratory disease of unknown etiology in North Carolina turkey flocks. Within two weeks, researchers confirmed MPVa type B, and in March, virus isolates from both chicken and turkey were confirmed. Since its alleged introduction last year, type B has been confirmed in most poultry states along the east coast, and type A in the west and central coast states. The aMPV has been diagnosed in turkeys, broilers, laying hens, turkey and chicken breeders. States in the United States have reported an increase in the number of cases associated with significant economic losses.

For more information about the aMPV in Canada.

For more information on immediately notifiable diseases, visit the Canadian Animal Health Surveillance System (CAHSS) website to search for diseases and their status.