Genetic characterization of one duck-origin paramyxovirus type 4 strain in China.

Avian paramyxovirus type 4 (APMV-4) has been frequently reported from wildfowl and waterfowl in recent year. However, few studies have reported on the molecular characteristics and regional transmission of APMV-4, knowledge of which is important for understanding the genetic diversity and epidemiology of avian paramyxovirus. Herein, we report the isolation of one APMV-4 strain, designated as QY17, from the duck in eastern China. The determined complete genome of the isolate with six gene segments 3'-N-P-M-F-HN-L-5' was 15,054 nt in length. Genetic analysis of the whole-fusion gene of this isolate showed that QY17 was derived from a Eurasian lineage. Further phylogenetic analysis showed that the duck-origin strain QY17 had a highly genetic relationship with representative APMV-4 strains from wildfowl in neighbouring regions. These genetic results suggested that APMV-4 viral exchange may occur in wildfowl and poultry via wild bird migration.