Antigenic and biological characterization of avian paramyxovirus type 1 isolates from pigeons.

21 A/PMV-1 viruses were isolated from pigeons and characterized using polyclonal and monoclonal antisera in hemagglutination inhibition, seroneutralization and immunoprecipitation studies. Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies directed against the HN and F proteins of Italien virus reacted with all pigeon isolates showing a close relationship between chicken velogenic and pigeon viruses. Differences in the M.W. of F0, P and M proteins were however observed between pigeon and chicken Italien virus. Marked differences in virulence were recorded among pigeon isolates; these were reflected by great variation in the IVPI of the different strains.