Serologic and virologic screening of paramyxovirus type 1 and avian influenza virus (H5∓mp;H7) in wild migratory birds in Sweden (preliminary study)

• Following outbreaks of Newcastle disease in 1995 and 1997 in Sweden, and anoutbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Northern Italy during thewinter of 1999/2000 a study was initiated to evaluate the presence of paramyxovirustype 1 (PMV-1) and avian influenza viruses (H5&H7) (AIV) in the wild avifauna inSweden.Materials and MethodsThe study was performed during the spring of 2000. In total, 150 serum samples and120 cloacal swabs were obtained from 53 migrating bird species (orders Anseriformes,Charadriiformes, Columbiformes, Strigiformes, Piciformes and Passerinformes) (Table1) at Ottenby Bird Station on southern Öland (an island in the Baltic off the south-eastcoast of Sweden). The swabs were obtained from the same, but not all, individual birdsas the serum samples. The bird species were selected based on their winter habitat, inorder to sample migratory birds which were likely to have either spent the previouswinter in Italy or visited Italy while migrating northwards. Additionally, cloacal swabsfrom Anseriformes in southern Sweden will be analysed during the spring of 2001.The serum samples were tested by hemagglutination-inhibition test for the presence ofantibodies to AIV, and by a blocking ELISA (SVANOVIR Svanova Biotech,Uppsala, Sweden) for antibodies to PMV-1. All cloacal swabs were cultured accordingto Council directive 92/66/EEC and 92/40/EEC. Following each of the three passagesthe allantoic fluid was tested for hemagglutinating (HA) virus.ResultsOne serum sample from a Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula) showed a low titer(1:16) against AIV (H5). None of the serum samples were positive for PMV-1, howeverthree Ringed Plovers showed PI-values of 40%. No cloacal swabs were available fromthese four birds. No viruses were isolated from any of the cloacal swabs.

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