Paramyxovirus

Enveloped, single-stranded negative-sense RNA virus of the genus Ferlavirus. Fragile outside the host but readily carried on hands, hooks and shared equipment.

Direct contact and aerosol between animals, and indirectly by keepers, tools and enclosure furniture. Clinically healthy carriers can shed for long periods, which is why screening asymptomatic animals matters.

• Proliferative interstitial pneumonia with hyperplasia of the faveolar epithelium
• Pulmonary oedema and exudate in the lung and air sac
• Occasional non-suppurative encephalitis and pancreatitis
• Frequent secondary bacterial infection of the damaged airway

• Open-mouth breathing, nasal and oral discharge, audible respiration
• Head tremor, loss of righting reflex, star-gazing in neurological cases
• Regurgitation, weight loss, sudden death without warning signs

• Quarantine every new arrival for at least 3 months and test before introduction
• Test breeding stock annually and before sale or exchange
• Strict one-way workflow: healthy animals first, quarantine last
• Dedicated tools per enclosure; disinfect with a virucidal agent effective on enveloped viruses

No specific antiviral therapy exists. Care is supportive — correct temperature gradient, fluids, nutritional support and antibiotics against secondary bacterial pneumonia. Infected animals should remain permanently separated from the collection.