Most studies on the prevalence of avian pox in wild birds have relied solely on the observation of individuals with cutaneous lesions and missing digits  and, therefore, report a presumptive diagnosis. We confirmed viral infection by molecular analysis in 63% of all lesions tested (from approximately 50% of birds with visual lesions examined). This result fits within the values previously found in studies using tissue samples (52.1% to 82.2%) . Negative results by molecular testing may be due to superficial sampling techniques; the necessity of using minimally invasive sampling of live birds may have led to some false negative results. They may also be due to lesions caused by historic infections with poxvirus, for which no viral DNA remains detectable. Alternatively, these lesions could be caused by other organisms including bacteria or mites . Overall, >1/3 of our samples tested negative for Avipox amplification. While it is probable that these are false negative results, we concur with Parker et al.  that tests are required to confirm a diagnosis based on the macroscopic appearance of lesions.