Duck Hepatitis B virus (DHBV) is a highly contagious, species-specific viral pathogen that primarily affects ducks and other waterfowl. It belongs to the family Hepadnaviridae, which also includes the human Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and other related viruses. DHBV is classified as an avian hepadnavirus and is known to cause acute hepatitis and liver disease in infected birds.
DHBV is primarily transmitted through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, such as blood, saliva, or feces, as well as through contaminated water sources. It can also be transmitted vertically from infected mother ducks to their offspring. The virus usually enters the host through oral or mucosal routes, where it rapidly replicates and targets hepatocytes in the liver.
Upon infection, DHBV undergoes an incubation period before clinical signs develop. Infected birds may exhibit symptoms such as reduced appetite, lethargy, weakness, jaundice, and liver enlargement. The disease can progress to severe hepatitis and in some cases, result in mortality.
Diagnosis of DHBV is typically performed through various laboratory methods, including serological tests and molecular techniques to detect viral antigens or genetic material.
Prevention and control of DHBV primarily focus on implementing strict biosecurity measures and vaccination programs for waterfowl. Vaccines are available to protect ducks from DHBV infection, especially in commercial or domestic poultry settings.
DHBV serves as an important model for studying human HBV due to their structural and functional similarities. Research on DHBV has contributed to our understanding of the replication cycle, pathogenesis, and potential treatment strategies for human Hepatitis B virus.
