Division C.2 Sampling proceduresF1

Cloacal swabs for virological examination should be taken. In addition to “ first year ” birds in the autumn, host species with high susceptibility and increased contact with poultry (such as mallard ducks) may offer the highest chance of success.

The distribution between the different species should ideally be as follows:

• 70 % waterfowl

• 20 % shorebirds

• 10 % other free-living birds.

Swabs containing faeces, or carefully collected fresh faeces shall be taken from wild birds trapped, hunted and found freshly dead.

Pooling of up to five samples from the same species is possible.

Specific care has to be taken for the storage and transport of samples. If rapid transport within 48 hours to the laboratory (in transport medium at 4 °Celsius) is not guaranteed, samples shall be stored and then transported in dry ice at – 70 °Celsius.