Identification of beak and feather disease virus in an unusual novel host (Merops ornatus) using nested PCR

The complete genome sequence of beak and feather disease virus (BFDV) was discovered from a rainbow bee-eater (Merops ornatus), a species of Coraciiformes. The genome consisted of 1,996 bp encoding two major bidirectional transcribed open reading frames. This is the first evidence of BFDV infection and complete genome characterization for this novel host species

The first complete mitogenome of Australia’s largest raptor, the wedge-tailed eagle (Aquila audax)

In this paper, we report the genomic architecture of a complete mitogenome from a Wedge-tailed eagle (Aquila audax). The mitogenome sequence was circular, and 17,494 bp in length. Compared to other members of the family Accipitridae, the genome encoded a conserved structure consisting of 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes, a repeat region and a control region (D-loop), with all protein-coding sequences started with methionine. The lengths of 12S and 16S ribosomal RNA were 971 bp and 1545 bp, respectively, and were located between tRNA-Phe and tRNA-Leu. The overall base composition of the mitogenome of A. audax was dominated by higher AT (54.3%) than GC (45.7%) content. The complete mitogenome sequence determined in this study would be useful to track the deeper evolutionary history and the conservation of A. audax

The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of an Endangered powerful owl (Ninox strenua)

In this paper, the complete mitochondrial genome of an Endangered Ninox strenua is sequenced and reported for the first time. The mitogenome of N. strenua is a circular molecule of 16,206 bp in length, consisting of 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNA, 2 rRNA, and a control region (D-loop). All the genes in N. strenua are distributed on the H-strand, except for the ND6 subunit gene and eight tRNA genes, which are encoded on the L-strand. Phylogenetic analysis using an available mitogenome of Strigidae family revealed a close evolutionary relationship of N. strenua with N. novaeseelandiae, a Tasmanian spotted owl found throughout the Australasia

Whole-Genome Sequence of a Beak and Feather Disease Virus Isolate from a Fledgling Red-Capped Parrot (Purpureicephalus spurius)

The complete genome sequence of beak and feather disease virus (BFDV) from a fledgling red-capped parrot (Purpureicephalus spurius) was assembled and characterized. The genome consists of 1,995 nucleotides and encodes two major proteins in opposing directions. This is the first evidence of BFDV infectivity and a complete genome sequence for this novel host

Characterization of Beak and Feather Disease Virus Genomes from Wild Musk Lorikeets (Glossopsitta concinna)

Three complete genomes of beak and feather disease virus (BFDV) were recovered from wild musk lorikeets (Glossopsitta concinna). The genomes consisted of 2,008 to 2,010 nucleotides (nt) and encode two major proteins transcribing in opposing directions. This is the first report of BFDV complete genome sequences obtained from this host species

Australasian Pigeon Circoviruses Demonstrate Natural Spillover Infection

Pigeon circovirus (PiCV) is considered to be genetically diverse, with a relatively small circular single-stranded DNA genome of 2 kb that encodes for a capsid protein (Cap) and a replication initiator protein (Rep). Australasia is known to be the origin of diverse species of the Order Columbiformes, but limited data on the PiCV genome sequence has hindered phylogeographic studies in this species. To fill this gap, this study was conducted to investigate PiCV in 118 characteristic samples from different birds across Australia using PCR and sequencing. Eighteen partial PiCV Rep sequences and one complete PiCV genome sequence were recovered from reservoir and aberrant hosts. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that PiCV circulating in Australia was scattered across three different subclades. Importantly, one subclade dominated within the PiCV sequenced from Australia and Poland, whereas other PiCV sequenced in this study were more closely related to the PiCV sequenced from China, USA and Japan. In addition, PiCV Rep sequences obtained from clinically affected plumed whistling duck, blue billed duck and Australian magpie demonstrated natural spillover of PiCV unveiled host generalist characteristics of the pigeon circovirus. These findings indicate that PiCV genomes circulating in Australia lack host adapted population structure but demonstrate natural spillover infection

Molecular Characterization of a Beak and Feather Disease Virus Genome from a Purple Crowned Lorikeet (Glossopsitta porphyrocephala)

The complete genome sequence of beak and feather disease virus (BFDV) from a purple crowned lorikeet (Glossopsitta porphyrocephala) was characterized. The genome consists of 2,010 nucleotides and encodes replicase-associated protein and capsid protein. This is the first evidence of BFDV infectivity and complete genome sequence for this novel host

The first complete mitogenome of Indian ringneck (Psittacula krameri) demonstrates close phylogenetic relationship with Eclectus parrot

This study was aimed to sequence the first complete mitochondrial genome from an Indian ringneck parrot (Psittacula krameri). The mitogenome sequence was circular and 16,413 bp in length. In comparison to other available mitogenome sequences belonging to Psittacidae species, this mitogenome encoded a conserved structure consisting of 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two rRNA genes, 21 tRNA genes and a control region; however, this mitogenome missing a tRNA-Glu. The lengths of 12S and 16S ribosomal RNA were 975 bp and 1582 bp, respectively. The overall base composition of the mitogenome of P. krameri was dominated by higher AT (53.5%) than GC (46.5%) content. The complete mitogenome sequence determined in this study would be useful to track the more profound evolutionary history and the conservation of P. krameri

The first complete mitogenome of red-bellied parrot (Poicephalus rufiventris) resolves phylogenetic status within Psittacidae

This paper describes the genomic architecture of a complete mitogenome from a red-bellied parrot (Poicephalus rufiventris). The mitogenome sequence was circular and 15,524 bp in length. Compared to other Psittacidae species, the genome encoded a conserved structure consisting of 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two rRNA genes, 21 tRNA genes, and two control regions, however, the mitogenome was missing a part of control region and a tRNA-Leu. The lengths of 12S and 16S ribosomal RNA were 975 bp and 1569 bp, respectively. The overall base composition of the mitogenome of P. rufiventris was dominated by higher AT (51.6%) than GC (48.4%) content. The complete mitogenome sequence determined in this study would be useful to track the deeper evolutionary history and the conservation of P. rufiventris

Complete mitochondrial genome sequence of an Australian little penguin (Eudyptula minor novaehollandia, J.R. Forster, 1781)

In this paper, we report the complete mitochondrial genome of an Australian little penguin (Eudyptula minor novaehollandia). The mitogenome sequence has been found to be circular, and 17,608 bp in length. Similar to other Spheniscidae species, the genome encoded a typically conserved structure consisting of 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two rRNA genes, and 22 tRNA genes, as well as all protein coding sequences started with methionine. The lengths of 12S ribosomal RNA and 16S ribosomal RNA were 977 bp and 1612 bp, respectively, and were located between tRNA-Phe and tRNA-Leu. The overall base composition of the mitogenome of E. minor novaehollandia had slightly higher AT (55.5%) content than GC (45.5%). The complete mitogenome sequence determined in this study would be useful to track the deeper evolutionary history and conservation of E. minor novaehollandia