The presence of canary bornavirus (Orthobornavirus serini) genetic material was tested in organ samples from 157 Atlantic canaries (Serinus canaria) and four hybrids of Atlantic canary and European goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis). The subjects of the research were samples collected in the years 2006-2022. A positive result was obtained in 16 canaries and one hybrid (10.5%). Eleven positive canaries had neurological signs prior to death. Four of them also had atrophic changes in the forebrain, which have not previously been described in canaries and other species of birds infected with avian bornavirus. In one canary, computed tomography without contrast was performed. This study showed no changes, despite advanced forebrain atrophy found on post-mortem examination of the bird. The organs of the studied birds were also tested with PCR tests for the presence of polyomaviruses and circoviruses. There was no correlation between the bornavirus infection and the presence of the other two viruses in the tested canaries.RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS The incidence of bornaviral infections in canaries in Poland is relatively low.Non-contrast CT is not a useful method for brain atrophy diagnostic in canaries.Neurological signs were found in the majority of birds infected with bornaviruses.Visceral ganglioneuritis was found in a minority of birds infected with bornaviruses.
Keywords: Atlantic canary; avian bornavirus; avian ganglioneuritis; brain atrophy; circovirus; polyomavirus.