Science TechnologyThursday, 9 July 2026·The Hindu - Science
PaBV-4 first identified in India: bird virus study on captive psittacine birds
Scientists identified and genetically characterised PaBV-4 in India for the first time after testing 83 psittacine birds across three states.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In 2020-2024, scientists from Assam Veterinary and Fishery University in Guwahati identified parrot bornavirus 4 (PaBV-4) in captive psittacine birds in India for the first time, and the study was published in Scientific Reports.
Key specifics
- The team tested 83 psittacine birds from 13 species in aviaries in Assam, Karnataka and West Bengal.
- PaBV-4 was found in 44 of the 83 birds tested, including birds showing PDD signs, healthy cage mates and dead birds.
- Infection was detected in almost 88% of dead birds and 19% of apparently healthy cage mates, showing silent spread.
- The infected birds belonged to nine species whose conservation status ranged from near-threatened to endangered.
- Genetic analysis confirmed all positive samples were PaBV-4, a strain earlier reported in Canada, Israel, Japan, South Korea and the U.S.
Exam lens
Question type: Science and environment, virus identification, species conservation and laboratory testing. TNPSC may ask about PaBV-4, 83 birds, 13 species, 2020-2024 study period and the role of captive psittacine trade.