Isolation of type A influenza and Newcastle disease viruses from migratory waterfowl in the Mississippi flyway.

Abstract

Twenty-seven chicken red blood cell agglutinating agents were isolated from 187 tracheal swabbings of apparently healthy migratory mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) in the Mississippi flyway. Twenty-four of the isolants were type A influenza virus; 3 lentogenic Newcastle disease viruses were isolated. Isolations were not made from either 65 giant Canada geese (Branta canadensis) or 60 Franklins' gulls (Larus pipixcan).