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Adenoviral pVII proteins are multifunctional, highly basic, histone‐like proteins that can bind to and transport the viral genome into the host cell nucleus. Despite the identification of several nuclear localization signals (NLSs) in the pVII protein of human adenovirus (HAdV)2, the mechanistic details of nuclear transport are largely unknown. Here we provide a full characterization of the nuclear import of precursor (Pre‐) pVII protein from an ancient siadenovirus, frog siadenovirus 1 (FrAdV1), using a combination of structural, functional, and biochemical approaches. Two strong NLSs (termed NLSa and NLSd) interact with importin (IMP)β1 and IMPα, respectively, and are the main drivers of nuclear import. A weaker NLS (termed NLSb) also contributes, together with an additional signal (NLSc) which we found to be important for nucleolar targeting and intranuclear binding. Expression of wild‐type and NLS defective derivatives Pre‐pVII in the presence of selective inhibitors of different nuclear import pathways revealed that, unlike its human counterpart, FrAdV1 Pre‐pVII nuclear import is dependent on IMPα/β1 and IMPβ1, but not on transportin‐1 (IMPβ2). Clearly, AdVs evolved to maximize the nuclear import pathways for the pVII proteins, whose subcellular localization is the result of a complex process. Therefore, our results pave the way for an evolutionary comparison of the interaction of different AdVs with the host cell nuclear transport machinery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document discusses a special issue on wildlife viruses and their impact on human and animal health. It highlights the increasing threat of new viral infectious diseases among wildlife populations, which can spill over into human hosts due to ecological, demographic, and socioeconomic changes. The document includes four research papers that delve into specific topics related to wildlife viruses. These topics include the genetic diversity and evolutionary trajectories of avian adenoviruses, the presence and genetic characterization of canine distemper virus in Crab-eating foxes, West Nile virus and Usutu virus surveillance in avian species, and the structural and biochemical interactions between the capsid protein of porcine adeno-associated virus and the nuclear trafficking protein importin alpha. The research papers provide valuable insights into the diversity, transmission patterns, and potential risks of viral pathogens in wildlife, emphasizing the need for continuous surveillance, molecular studies, and interdisciplinary approaches to managing public health risks associated with these viruses. [Extracted from the article]

As part of a sea turtle health monitoring program on the central east coast of Queensland, Australia, stranded and sick green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) were subjected to necropsy and histopathology. A subset of these turtles had myocarditis of varying severity, which could not be attributed to parasitism by spirorchid flukes or bacterial infections. We, therefore, undertook an investigation to determine whether virus infections might be part of the pathogenesis. Deep sequencing revealed abundant DNA virus contigs in the heart tissue, of which CRESS and circoviruses appeared to be the most consistently present. Further analysis revealed the homology of some of the circoviruses to the beak and feather disease virus. While a causative link to myocarditis could not be established, the presence of these viruses may play a contributing role by affecting the immune system and overall health of animals exposed to pollutants, higher water temperatures, and decreasing nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The avian influenza virus, particularly the H5N1 strain, poses a significant and ongoing threat to both human and animal health. Recent outbreaks have affected domestic and wild birds on a massive scale, raising concerns about the virus' spread to mammals. This review focuses on the critical role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in modulating pro-inflammatory signaling pathways during the pathogenesis of influenza A virus (IAV), with an emphasis on highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 viral infections. Current research indicates that miRNAs play a significant role in HPAI H5 infections, influencing various aspects of the disease process. This review aims to synthesize recent findings on the impact of different miRNAs on immune function, viral cytopathogenicity, and respiratory viral replication. Understanding these mechanisms is essential for developing new therapeutic strategies to combat avian influenza and mitigate its effects on both human and animal populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is classified as a highly contagious viral agent that causes acute respiratory, reproductive and renal system pathology in affected poultry farms. Molecular and serological investigations are crucial for the accurate diagnosis and management of IBV. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of IBV and to characterise the circulating IBV in poultry farms in Sabah Province, Malaysia. Methods: To determine IBV antibodies, a total of 138 blood samples and 50 organ samples were collected from 10 commercial broiler flocks in 3 different farms by using the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (IDEXX Kit) and reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) followed by sequencing. Results: A total of 94.2% (130/138) of the samples were seropositive for IBV in the vaccinated flock, and 38% (52/138) of the birds was the IBV titre for infection. The selected seropositive samples for IBV were confirmed by RT‐PCR, with 22% (11/50) being IBV positive amplified and sequenced by targeted highly conserved partial nucleocapsid (N) genes. Subsequently, phylogenetic analysis constructed using amplified sequences again exposed the presence of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Chinese QX variants circulating in poultry farms in Sabah, Malaysia. Conclusions: The unexpectedly increasing mean titres in serology indicated that post infection of IBV and highly prevalent IBV in selected farms in this study. The sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed the presence of multiple IBV variants circulating in Malaysian chicken farms in Sabah, which further monitoring of genetic variation are needed to better understand the genetic diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Birds are known to harbour many pathogens, including circovirus, herpesviruses, adenoviruses and Chlamydia psittaci. Some of these pose zoonotic risks, while others, such as beak and feather disease virus (BFDV), have a significant impact on the conservation of endangered bird species., Objectives: This study was aimed to determine the faecal virome of a group of apparently healthy Monk parakeet using high-throughput sequencing., Methods: Fresh faecal samples were collected from four Monk parakeets at a pet shop in Melbourne, Australia. Virus enrichment and nucleic acid extraction were performed on the faecal samples, followed by high-throughput sequencing at the Australian Genome Research Facility (AGRF)., Results: Utilising an established pipeline for high-throughput sequencing data analysis, this study revealed the presence of three viruses of the families Circoviridae, Parvoviridae and Adenoviridae. Subsequent sequence comparison and phylogenetic analyses further confirmed that the detected viruses belong to the genera Chaphamaparvovirus (unassigned species), Circovirus (species Circovirus parrot) and Siadenovirus (species Siadenovirus viridis)., Conclusion: Despite non-pathogenicity, the existence of multiple viruses within a bird species underscores the risk of these viruses spreading into the pet trade. Detection and a better understanding of avian viruses are crucial for the establishment of appropriate management and biosecurity measures in the domestic and international bird trade, which ultimately supports the conservation of vulnerable bird species., (© 2024 The Author(s). Veterinary Medicine and Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

This study reveals the genomes of psittaciform chaphamaparvovirus 5 (PsChPV-5) and a beak and feather disease virus (BFDV), discovered in the fecal samples of cockatiels. The genomes of PsChPV-5 and BFDV are 4,366 and 2,009 base pairs long, respectively, each exhibiting the characteristic genomic structures of their respective genera.

This report details the genome sequence of Escherichia coli strain Hakim RU_GHWS, isolated from sewage water. The assembled genome comprises 5.022 Mb with 77.675× coverage, depicting an average GC content of 50.50%. This genome contains 10 CRISPR arrays, 14 prophages, 65 antibiotic resistance genes, and 28 virulence factor genes., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

This study reports a genome of psittaciform chaphamaparvovirus 4 (PsChPV-4) and a beak and feather disease virus (BFDV) detected in fecal materials of rose-ringed parakeet. The genomes of PsChPV-4 and BFDV were 4,304 and 2,009 bp long, respectively, and both genomes possessed a genomic structure consistent with their respective genera., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

We have sequenced the genome of Kurthia gibsonii strain Hakim RU_BHWE, isolated from sewage water. The assembled genome consists of 2.891 Mb with 58.6883× coverage, presenting an average GC content of 36.60%. This genome includes 8 CRISPR arrays, 3 prophages, 3 antibiotic resistance genes, and 12 virulence factor genes., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Importance: The impact of circulating viruses on the critically endangered, orange-bellied parrot (OBP) population can be devastating. The OBP already faces numerous threats to its survival in the wild, including habitat loss, predation, and small population impacts. Conservation of the wild OBP population is heavily reliant on supplementation using OBPs from a managed captive breeding program. These birds may act as a source for introduction of a novel disease agent to the wild population that may affect survival and reproduction. It is, therefore, essential to monitor and assess the health of OBPs and take appropriate measures to prevent and control the spread of viral infections. This requires knowledge of the existing virome to identify novel and emerging viruses and support development of appropriate measures to manage associated risk. By monitoring and protecting these animals from emerging viral diseases, we can help ensure their ongoing survival and preserve the biodiversity of our planet., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.