Avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) primarily causes a highly contagious acute upper respiratory tract infection in turkeys, chickens and ducks, sometimes leading to reproductive issues. In turkeys, this infection is called turkey rhinotracheitis (TRT) or avian pneumovirus infection. In chickens, it is known as swollen head syndrome (SHS).
Our National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease (NCFAD) confirmed the first detection of aMPV in Canada in May 2024. Notification of the positive results were reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).
On this page
- Signs of avian metapneumovirus
- Risk of avian metapneumovirus to human health
- Diagnosing avian metapneumovirus
- Where it is found
- Disease prevention and control
- Additional information
Signs of avian metapneumovirus
aMPV is highly contagious. Overall deaths of infected flocks are highly variable and can reach 80%.
Common clinical signs of aMPV:
In turkey:
- sneezing
- respiratory issues (noisy or difficult breathing)
- mucus or fluid coming from the nose and eyes
- swelling or redness of the eyes or area below the eyes
- depression
- decreased egg production
In chicken:
- respiratory disease
- lack of energy
- swelling around the eyes and spreading over the head
- confusion or lack of coordination
- severe muscle spasms
- decrease in egg production
Risk of avian metapneumovirus to human health
aMPV is not known to cause disease in humans.
Diagnosing avian metapneumovirus
Diagnosing avian metapneumovirus requires laboratory testing. Our NCFAD in Winnipeg confirms the presence of aMPV in samples using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for the initial detections. Once the immediately notifiable disease (IND) is present, following the first confirmations at NCFAD, laboratories' results can be considered as final results in laboratories equipped with validated confirmatory tests for that IND.
Laboratory detection of this disease is immediately notifiable to us and is a WOAH listed disease.
Where it is found
aMPV is present in most countries around the world wild birds can carry and spread the virus.
In Canada, our NCFAD confirmed the first detection of aMPV in May 2024. aMPV-A and aMPV-B has been reported in domestic birds. aMPV has also been reported in wild geese in Canada.
Notification of the positive results were reported to WOAH.
In the United States, aMPV (A, B and C virus genotypes) has been found in both wild and domestic bird populations.
Disease prevention and control
aMPV is classified as an immediately notifiable disease. This means that laboratories that suspect or diagnosis aMPV are required by law to notify the us. We report positive confirmed cases to WOAH.
Poultry producers can prevent the spread of disease by practicing good biosecurity measures, including contacting their veterinarian if unusual rates of disease or death among their animals are observed.
Cases in domestic poultry in Canada
Two of the 3 main genotypes of the virus have been reported:
- aMPV-B and aMPV-A (detected in Canada in 2024)
- aMPV-C (not detected in Canada)
The National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease has confirmed aMPV in the following Canadian provinces.
| Date of first detection | Province |
|---|---|
| May 7, 2024 | Ontario |
| May 23, 2024 | Manitoba |
| September 11, 2024 | Quebec |