The detection of a novel avipoxvirus from Common crane

Avian pox is a widespread viral disease affecting a wide range of wild and domestic bird species caused by genus Avipoxvirus. In the present study, wart-like growths found in a common crane (Grus grus) was tested for Avipoxvirus by diagnostic PCR and sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis of the gene encoding the DNA polymerase revealed that the recently identified crane pox sequence clustered in clade A (subclade A3). The histopathological examination of the lesion and several organs confirmed the poxvirus infection.