Isolation and Phylogenetic Characterization of Avipoxvirus Causing Outbreaks in Iran, 2019

Avian pox infection is a widespread disease with cyclical occurrence in endemic areas, especially in areas with dense poultry production. An outbreak of poxvirus infecting commercial laying herd in Esfahan, Iran, is reported. The current study attempted to realize if new isolate has been emerged and, if so what the difference is and how it has appeared.

The chickens were previously vaccinated against pox. Avipoxvirus was isolated by PCR analysis of specimens taken from the infected skin lesions and mucosal tissues (trachea).

Sequencing and alignment of the amplified P4b gene of the avipox showed 100% similarity to the FP/NobilisVariole W (vaccine) and fowlpox virus vaccine strain (FPV-VR250). The Iranian avipoxvirus isolates in this study grouped in clade A1 with other Iranian commercial chicken avipoxviruses.

This research is the latest report of APVs outbreak in a commercial laying herd in Iran. It seems indispensable to investigate vaccines' efficacy, which is being used in Iranian commercial laying herd routinely to illuminate whether these vaccines have appropriate efficacy or not and are they still effective? We intended to update the viral monitoring system as to country livestock and poultry.