Avian paramyxoviruses (PMV) and influenza viruses have been readily isolated from free-living birds throughout the world and, in New Zealand, both these viruses have been isolated from wild waterfowls, particularly ducks. It is widely known that free-living birds could harbour PMV and influenza viruses and could act as natural reservoirs of these viruses. They have occasionally caused Newcastle disease (PMV1) and influenza outbreaks in commercial poultry farms throughout the world. However, similar outbreaks have not been reported from New Zealand. Although PMV and influenza viruses have not been isolated from feral pigeons (Columba livia) and native birds in New Zealand, several of these viruses have been isolated from free-living and cage birds overseas. In the United Kingdom, PMV-1.