- Negative-sense single-stranded RNA virus within the genus Orthoavulavirus and family Paramyxoviridae
- Divided into class I and II (based on their fusion protein), of which only some strains of class II are virulent
- Class II genotype VI is known as pigeon avian paramyxovirus and is a common virulent genotype with pigeon and dove reservoirs
- Highly contagious zoonotic disease of birds
- Globally distributed
- Occasionally can affect non-bird animals including humans
- Most common clinical manifestation in humans is mild conjunctivitis
- Rare fatal cases in humans
