Paramyxovirus Detection in Wild Birds

High titer virus stocks of paramyxoviruses used for validation of broad reactivity of the assay are listed in table 1. Clinical specimens from humans to test for sensitivity of fragment analysis were obtained from the clinical diagnostic unit of the virology department, and were anonymized. Wild birds were trapped by expert ornithologists. Cloacal and/or oropharyngeal swab specimens were collected with sterile cotton swabs. All samples were stored in transport medium consisting of Hanks balanced salt solution containing 0.5% lactalbumin, 10% glycerol, 200 U/mL penicillin, 200 µg/mL streptomycin, 100 U/mL polymyxin B sulfate, 250 µg/mL gentamicin, and 50 U/mL nystatin (ICN, Zoetermeer, The Netherlands). All bird samples were stored at −80°C or at −20°C if rapid transport or storage at −80°C was not possible. Frozen samples were stored at −80°C in the laboratory upon arrival and were thawed no more than two times prior to analysis.