NSW Arbovirus Surveillance & Vector Monitoring Program

2001 - 2002 Annual Report

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SENTINEL CHICKEN FLOCK PROGRAM

Sentinel chicken flocks of 15 birds were deployed at ten locations this season including Bourke, Deniliquin, Griffith, Forbes, Lake Cargelligo, Leeton, Macquarie Marshes, Menindee, Wanaaring and Wee Waa. The majority of sites started testing in November and the birds were bled weekly and tested for the presence of flavivirus antibody. Most results were available within five days of receipt of the specimen. Regular reports were emailed to the public health units and included on the NSW Arbovirus Surveillance web site.

 There were no seroconversions detected in the flocks this season.

An alternative method of collecting chicken blood for antibody testing, whereby samples are placed onto filter paper, thus reducing consumables and collecting times, continues to be evaluated with promising early results.

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