Detection of avian paramyxoviruses and influenza viruses amongst wild bird populations in Victoria.

OBJECTIVE: To isolate and characterise avian paramyxoviruses and other haemagglutinating viruses amongst Victorian wild bird populations. PROCEDURE: Tracheal and cloacal material was collected from wild duck, pigeon, quail and other wild birds throughout Victoria. Samples were processed and cultured in embryonating eggs. Viral isolates were characterised based on their haemagglutination and haemagglutination-inhibition activity using a panel of specific antisera. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing were used to characterise Newcastle disease virus isolates.
RESULTS: Twenty-five nonpathogenic haemagglutinating viruses were isolated from 605 wild bird samples. The majority were characterised as APMV-6 or influenza A virus, H3N2. Two isolates were identified and characterised as APMV-1 (avirulent NDV) based on nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequence analysis at the F0 cleavage site.
CONCLUSIONS: Twenty-five viruses were isolated, none of which resembled progenitor or virulent genotypes. This study provides valuable epidemiological information against which to compare future isolates from outbreaks of disease to determine their origin.