Molecular analysis Polish isolates of goose hemorrhagic polyomavirus from geese and free-living birds

Goose haemorrhagic polyomavirus (GHPV) is the viral agent of hemorrhagic nephritis and enteritis of geese (HNEG), a lethal disease of goose. The study describes the results of a molecular analysis Polish isolates of GHPV from geese and free-living birds based on complete VP1 gene and VP2 gene sequences. The sequences were analyzed and aligned with different GHPV isolates sequences accessible in the GenBank database. This study indicates affiliation GHPV isolates from fee-living birds and GHPV isolates circulating in Polish goose flocks and around the world to the same genetic groups, which proves their evolutionary relationship and indicates the potential role of free-living birds as a source of infections for poultry. •Genetic variability of Polish GHPV isolates was lower in VP2 gene than in VP1 gene.•Infected free-living birds can be a source of GHPV infection for poultry.•Free-living birds as an epidemiological GHPV reservoir for geese.