Pigeon herpes infection: Excretion and re-excretion of virus after experimental infection

peer reviewedThe excretion of pigeon herpesvirus and the development of neutralizing antibodies were studied after experimental infection of two groups of pigeons, one of which had previously been treated with cyclophosphamide (Cy). Natural excretion of the virus occurred in both groups during a 90-day period without influencing the titre of antibodies, the pigeons becoming asymptomatic carriers of the virus after the initial infection. Birds previously treated with Cy developed lower titres of neutralizing antibodies. The Cy-treatment of all the animals 90 days after the experimental infection provoked re-excretion of the virus. © 1980