Characterization of Newcastle Disease Viruses Isolated from Cormorant and Gull Species in the United States in 2010

Important Findings This is the first report of virulent Newcastle disease virus (vNDV) originated from cormorants isolated in other species of wild birds in Maryland and, notably, the first time that a genotype V vNDV has been isolated from multiple wild bird species in the United States. These findings highlight the need for constant epidemiologic surveillance for NDV in wild bird populations and for consistent biosecurity measures to prevent the introduction of the agent into domestic poultry flocks.