Serological survey of the king penguin, Aptenodytes patagonicus, in Crozet Archipelago for antibodies to infectious bursal disease, influenza A and Newcastle disease viruses

Abstract.

Sera from adult and chick king penguins were examined for antibodies to infectious bursal disease, influenza A and Newcastle disease viruses. This study was completed by a 1-year survey of clinical signs of disease in the colony. About 4% and 1% of the birds were positive for serotypes 1 and 2, respectively, of infectious bursal disease virus. In 1996, two coughing peaks occurred in adults, during autumn and spring, and a peak of conjunctivitis occurred at the end of the winter. Although this showed the presence of infectious agents, it was not possible to be precise about whether the detected viruses were responsible for the clinical signs, or to assess if the infectious agents were native or introduced.