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12 July 2026

PaBV-4 bird virus identification

The identification of a new bird virus in India provides relevant context for environmental conservation and biodiversity protection, though it is unlikely to be the subject of a direct UPSC question.

1 min read 1 questions 2 prelims

Notes

  • Parrot bornavirus 4 (PaBV-4) identified in India for the first time in captive psittacine birds.
  • Study conducted by researchers from Assam Veterinary and Fishery University and other institutions in Assam and Gujarat.
  • PaBV-4 is linked to Proventricular Dilatation Disease (PDD), a fatal condition affecting the digestive and nervous systems of birds.
  • Psittacine birds include species like budgerigars, cockatiels, macaws, and parakeets.
  • Study tested 83 birds across 13 species in Assam, Karnataka, and West Bengal between 2020-2024.
  • 44 birds tested positive for PaBV-4; infection rate was 88% in dead birds and 19% in apparently healthy cage mates.
  • Genetic analysis confirmed the strain is identical to those found in Canada, Israel, Japan, South Korea, and the U.S.
  • Lack of genetic clustering suggests the spread is likely linked to the global trade in psittacine birds.
  • The findings highlight significant risks to the conservation of threatened parrot species and the dangers of captive breeding practices.

Questions

  1. The identification of PaBV-4 in India highlights the intersection of wildlife conservation and biosecurity. Discuss the potential threats posed by viral diseases in captive bird populations to the conservation of endangered avian species in India. 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
    0 / 150 words 8:00

Prelims

  1. Proventricular Dilatation Disease (PDD), often associated with PaBV-4, primarily affects which systems in psittacine birds?

  2. Which of the following bird families is referred to as 'psittacine'?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-07-12/pabv-4-bird-virus-identification