Complete genome sequence and evolution analysis of a columbid herpesvirus type 1 from feral pigeon in China

Here, we report the genome sequence of a feral pigeon alphaherpesvirus (columbid herpesvirus type 1, CoHV-1), strain HLJ, and compare it with other avian alphaherpesviruses. The CoHV-1 strain HLJ genome is 204,237 bp in length and encodes approximately 130 putative protein-coding genes. Phylogenetically, CoHV-1 complete genome resides in a monophyletic group with the falconid herpesvirus type 1 (FaHV-1) genome, distant from other alphaherpesviruses. Interestingly, the evolutionary analysis of partial genes of CoHV-1 isolated from different organisms and areas (currently accessible on GenBank) indicates that the CoHV-1 HLJ strain isolated from pigeon ( Columba livia ) is closely related to the strains isolated from peregrine falcon ( Falco peregrinus ) in Poland and owl ( Bubo virginianus ) in USA. These results may suggest possible transmission of the virus between different organisms and different geographic areas.