Failure to detect molecular and serological evidence of Avian Pneumovirus infection in wild aquatic birds in Italy

A molecular and serological survey was performed in order to investigate the role of some wild avian species in the epidemiology of Avian Pneumovirus (APV) infection. During 2001, 460 aquatic birds (gulls, terns, herons, flamingoes, shorebirds) were sampled in North-eastern wetlands of Italy. The sample size was: Laridae (N. 179), Sternidae (N. 182), Ardeidae (N. 46), Phoenicopteridae (N. 35), Charadriidae (N. 18). Swabs taken from the choanal cleft were collected from each bird and tested by RT nested PCR (A and B type specific) using extracted RNA. At the same time, whenever possible blood samples were collected (N. 348) and analysed using a Blocking ELISA serological assay. All molecular and serological tests produced negative results, suggesting that these birds do not play any relevant role in APV circulation in the Italian geographic area sampled.