How is Bird Flu detected in wild birds?
Various methods are used to detect avian influenza in wild birds. One method is to take samples from live or hunter-killed birds . The sampling procedure invlolves quick and simple swabs of the throat and cloaca which do not harm the live bird nor do they affect the edibility of the meat. After sampling, the live bird is returned to the wild, whereas bagged birds can be taken home and enjoyed for dinner. (The sampling procedure is not a test of food safety.) The swabs are then sent to a laboratory for diagnostic testing. Another method used to detect avian influenza in wild birds is through surveillance of waterfowl areas for suspicious deaths in sensitive species. When mortalities occur that are not due to commonon diseases, injury, or natural death, the appropriate samples are taken and submitted for laboratory testing.
