Newcastle disease virus and Chlamydia psittaci in free-living raptors from eastern Germany

Abstract

Organ samples from free-living raptors from the federal states of Berlin and Brandenburg in eastern Germany were tested for Newcastle disease virus (NDV; n=331) and Chlamydia psittaci (n=39) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In 18 individuals NDV nucleic acids were detected. These samples originated from barn owls (Tyto alba; n=15, 28%), tawny owl (Strix aluco; n=1, 5%), common buzzard (Buteo buteo, n=1, 1%), and European kestrel (Falco tinnunculus; n = 1, 4%). In 29 (74%) of 39 samples C. psittaci was detected. Chlamydia psittaci is common in free-living birds of prey in the investigated area. © Wildlife Disease Association 2003.