Sendai Virus

Also known as: Murine Parainfluenza - 1

Introduction

Sendai virus is of the family Paramyxoviridae. It is endemic in mouse colonies worldwide, but rarely shows as a clinical disease as maternal antibody is usually high so the disease rarely has any clinical effects.

Clinical Signs

There may be mild clinical signs related to the respiratory tract such as nasal discharge or coughing and increased respiratory rate. The animal may be inappetant and lethargic for a short period.

Diagnosis

Virus isolation is diagnostic.

Control

Control is achieved by purchasing specific pathogen free (SPF) mice, which have been screened serologically as having not been exposed to many viruses and bacteria. This is obviously only available in large scale laboratories.

In the cases of an outbreak, the whole colony should be destroyed and disinfection and formalin fumigation should take place.

References

Blood, D.C. and Studdert, V. P. (1999) Saunders Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary (2nd Edition), Elsevier Science

Bridger, J and Russell, P (2007) Virology Study Guide, Royal Veterinary College

Paterson, S (2006) Skin Diseases of Exotic Pets, Blackwell Publishing

Roberts, W.A. and Carter, G.A.(1976) Essentials of Veterinary Virology, Michigan State University Press, East Lansing, Michigan

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