Microbiology
The Avian Metapneumovirus
- Highly pleomorphic (spherical to filamentous) but mostly rounded, single stranded, negative sense, non segmented, RNA-virus. Spherical particles are approximately 100-500nm in diameter; filamentous forms are usually approximately 100nm in width. Particles are enveloped, with tightly packed projections on the surface.
- Genus: Metapneumovirus
- Family: Paramyxoviridae
- Subfamily: Pneumovirinae
- Rather fragile virus
- Able to withstand pH ranges of pH 3 – 9 depending on the strain, temperature and time of exposure
- Inactivated after 30 minutes at 56°C
- Sensitive to most common disinfectants
- Infectivity of the virus is easily lost under adverse conditions. This should be kept in mind when handling live vaccines.
Avian Metapneumovirus particle