In 1999, research was published
[1] where scientists described the identification of an evolutionary distinct new avian hepadnavirus. Snow geese (
Anser caerulescens) in Canada appeared infected with a virus that was closely related to
Duck Hepatitis B Virus.
Analysis revealed some unique features compared with other avian Hepatitis B viruses. The virus was designated Snow Goose Hepatitis B Virus. Infected geese secreted a significant amount of virion-like particles.
This research again shows the versatility of the virus. Ever more species are found to harbour a variant of the Hepatitis virus.
[1] Chang et al: A new avian hepadnavirus infecting snow geese (Anser caerulescens) produces a significant fraction of virions containing single-stranded DNA in Virology - 1999
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