[Occurrence of paramyxovirus 1 (PMV 1) infections in pigeons].

From 1992 to 1997 the occurrence of the paramyxovirus-1 infection in pigeons in the region of Berlin-Brandenburg was examined. Using the haemagglutination inhibition test the presence of PMV 1/NDV could be demonstrated indirectly. There was a rather high percentage (19.9%) of pigeon sera containing specific antibodies. Furthermore we isolated und classified PMV 1 from pigeons by standard methods, particular by intracerebral pathogenicity index (ICPI) tests and binding studies using monoclonal antibodies. From 66 paramyxovirus isolates we identified 50 pigeon-type PMV 1 and five velogen NDV isolates. The possible role and significance of pigeons in the epidemiology of PMV 1/NDV-infections are discussed.