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Rapid Diagnosis of Avian Influenza Virus in Wild Birds: Use of a Portable rRT-PCR and Freeze-dried Reagents in the Field
Published on: August 2, 2011
Field Methods and Sample Collection Techniques for the Surveillance of West Nile Virus in Avian Hosts
Sarah S Wheeler1, Walter M Boyce2, William K Reisen2
1Sacramento Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District, 8631 Bond Road, Elk Grove, CA, 95624, USA. swheeler@fightthebite.net.
Abstract:
Avian hosts play an important role in the spread, maintenance, and amplification of West Nile virus (WNV). Avian susceptibility to WNV varies from species to species thus surveillance efforts can focus both on birds that survive infection and those that succumb. Here we describe methods for the collection and sampling of live birds for WNV antibodies or viremia, and methods for the sampling of dead birds. Target species and study design considerations are discussed.

