Standardization of a duplex RT-PCR for the detection of Influenza A and Newcastle disease viruses in migratory birds.

Influenza A and Newcastle disease viruses are pathogens of social and economical importance known to be disseminated throughout the world by migratory birds. Many efforts have been made to control the introduction of these viruses into new environments, and complete world surveillance has yet to be achieved. Virus isolation and immunofluorescence techniques are time consuming, have inherent limited sensitivity and present a lack of host cells permissive universally to all Influenza A viruses.