A virus isolate associated with a 1989-90 die-off in American woodcock
(Scolopax minor) was identified as a reovirus. Emaciation was a consi
stent necropsy finding in the woodcock involved in this die-off. This
reovirus infection appeared to be systemic, had the potential for feca
l-oral virus transmission, and was associated with deterioration of bo
dy condition. To our knowledge this is the first report of a virus iso
late from wild American woodcock. A survey conducted in 1990-92 indica
ted chat this virus was not present at detectable levels in the woodco
ck breeding and wintering population.