A method to preserve, detect and sequence RNA from Avian Influenza Viruses was validated and extended using natural faecal samples from birds. This technique removes the necessity of maintaining a cool chain and handling of infectious viruses and can be applied in a 96-well high-throughput setup.
Kraus, R. H., van Hooft, P., Waldenström, J., Latorre-Margalef, N., Ydenberg, R. C., Prins, H. H. Avian Influenza Surveillance with FTA Cards: Field Methods, Biosafety, and Transportation Issues Solved. J. Vis. Exp. (54), e2832, doi:10.3791/2832 (2011).