Turkey Metapneumovirus (aMPV) as a risk factor in the development of poultry farming

In the modern world, one of the most important problems is to provide the population with high-quality biologically safe food. In the process of implementing the policy of import substitution of food in many countries, including Russia and Tajikistan, the strategic importance of poultry farming is increasing. However, modern technologies of intensive poultry farming associated with a high concentration of poultry in a limited area contribute to the rapid spread of pathogens associated with airborne transmission. Currently, avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) is widespread and recorded in many countries of the world, which leads to global economic losses in agriculture. The diversity of subtypes and variability of the antigenic properties of the aMPV virus create significant problems in the diagnosis and prevention of the disease. Diagnosis is based on isolation and identification of the virus by molecular and serological methods. Genomic sequencing of aMPV has demonstrated the genetic variability of the virus, the presence of mutations and new variants, as well as the possibility of simultaneous assessment of the pathogen in the presence of concomitant coinfections. Despite the availability and use of modern vaccines, various subtypes of the aMPV virus continue to circulate in commercial broiler production of chickens and turkeys. This article highlights strategies for the prevention and control of respiratory diseases in birds, and shows laboratory diagnostic tools. The accumulated results of scientific research show that only an integrated approach and consideration of all risk factors, as well as the use of innovative technologies, effective pharmacological agents and new treatment and preventive measures can ensure the health of poultry in high-tech conditions and improve the quality of poultry products.