Determine infection rate and distribution of avian influenza virus, and Newcastle disease and other paramyxoviruses in non-migratory released gamebirds birds of the Midwestern and Eastern USA. Provide these viruses to USDA for development of a molecular epidemiologic map and determination of risk to commercial poultry populations for introduction of these pathogens
Approach - The Ohio State University personnel will collect intestinal and respiratory swabs from a variety of non-migratory birds in the Midwestern and Eastern USA. Using RRT-PCR, cell culture and embryonating hens eggs, orthomyxoviruses and paramyxoviruses viruses will be identified or isolated. Isolated viruses will be transferred to SEPRL for phylogenetic analysis and development of a molecular epidemiological map.