title: Detection of low pathogenic avian influenza viruses in wild ducks from Canada: comparison of two sampling methods.
abstract: Surveillance for avian influenza viruses in wild birds was initiated in Canada in 2005. In 2006, in order to maximize detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses, the sampling protocol used in Canada's Inter-agency Wild Bird Influenza Survey was changed. Instead of collecting a single cloacal swab, as previously done in 2005, cloacal and oropharyngeal swabs were combined in a single vial at collection. In order to compare the two sampling methods, duplicate samples were collected from 798 wild dabbling ducks (tribe Anatini) in Canada between 24 July and 7 September 2006. Low pathogenic avian influenza viruses were detected significantly more often (P<0.0001) in combined oropharyngeal and cloacal samples (261/798, 33%) than in cloacal swabs alone (205/798, 26%). Compared to traditional single cloacal samples, combined samples improved virus detection at minimal additional cost.
authors: Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada. jparmley@uoguelph.ca
authors: E Jane
authors: EJ
authors: Parmley
authors: Catherine
authors: C
authors: Soos
authors: André
authors: A
authors: Breault
authors: Madeleine
authors: M
authors: Fortin
authors: Emily
authors: E
authors: Jenkins
authors: Fred
authors: F
authors: Kibenge
authors: Robin
authors: R
authors: King
authors: Keith
authors: K
authors: McAloney
authors: John
authors: J
authors: Pasick
authors: Sydney Paul
authors: SP
authors: Pryor
authors: John
authors: J
authors: Robinson
authors: Jean
authors: J
authors: Rodrigue
authors: Frederick A
authors: FA
authors: Leighton
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000835:Animals, Wild / Q000821:virology; D002170:Canada; D002988:Cloaca / Q000821:virology*; D004372:Ducks / Q000821:virology; D005260:Female; D009980:Influenza A virus / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000472:pathogenicity; D005585:Influenza in Birds / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000821:virology; D008297:Male; D018571:Sentinel Surveillance / Q000662:veterinary; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*