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
 |
This article has been peer reviewed but is awaiting expert review. If you would like to help with this, please see more information about expert reviewing. |