Comparative analysis of avian poxvirus genomes, including a novel poxvirus from lesser flamingos (Phoenicopterus minor), highlights the lack of conservation of the central region.

Basic comparative genomics revealed the expected similarities in genome architecture but an in depth, comparative, analysis showed all avian poxvirus genomes to differ from other poxvirus genomes in fundamental and unexpected ways. The reasons for these large genomic rearrangements in regions of the genome that were thought to be relatively conserved are yet to be elucidated. Sequencing and analysis of further avian poxvirus genomes will help characterise this complex genus of poxviruses.