Scavengers have potential to translocate infectious transmissible spongiform encephalopathy prions in their feces to disease-free areas. We detail methods used to determine if mouse-adapted scrapie prions remain infectious after passage though the digestive tract of American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos), a common consumer of dead animals.
Fischer, J. W., Nichols, T. A., Phillips, G. E., VerCauteren, K. C. Procedures for Identifying Infectious Prions After Passage Through the Digestive System of an Avian Species. J. Vis. Exp. (81), e50853, doi:10.3791/50853 (2013).