Isolation of myxoviruses from dead birds arriving at Heathrow Airport, London

Abstract

Forty-four haemagglutinating viruses were isolated from the pooled tracheal/cloacal swabs of the dead birds from 170 consignments of caged birds arriving at Heathrow Airport over a period of 6 months. Two isolates were identified as Newcastle disease virus but the remaining 42 were all identified as influenza viruses with Hav 7 Neq 2 antigens. All the consignments from which influenza viruses were isolated originated in India but had widespread destinations. The NDV isolates were from birds originating in central America and destined for Japan.