Several recent higher-level molecular studies sampling nuclear genes suggest that Phaethontidae is a member of an ecologically diverse clade of neoavians variably referred to as "Metaves" [19], [27], [29].
In contrast, recent molecular studies sampling both nuclear and mitochondrial sequences have generated a remarkably consistent and highly-resolved interfamilial tree for Charadriiformes [ 2, 3, 6, 7].
Previous molecular studies sampled only one or a few individuals of different populations, focusing largely on allozymes [ 26] or mtDNA [ 23].
For milk samples from cattle and goats for molecular studies, sample sizes were based on brucellosis herd prevalence of 5.3 and 5.3 % in dairy cattle and goats, respectively [ 53].
There is currently no reported molecular study on samples collected from these two regions.
This case was included in a molecular study alongside archaeological samples with lesions from Hungary (one sample dated to 14th 15th century AD and two samples dated to 10th 11th century AD).
TJI conceived the molecular studies, oversaw sample culturing and processing, and wrote the final draft of the manuscript.
Subtypes 1-4 have been found as the most common subtypes in previous studies as well, [ 19, 22, 44- 49], including molecular studies using samples initially cultured in vitro.
The pre-publication history for this paper can be accessed here: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2334/13/526/prepub We thank Dr. Cecilia Fazio who provided to culture and molecular study of collected samples.
Overall, this initial survey of the pyrosequencing data substantiates a previous molecular study, which indicated that krill sampled in the summer were far more active than those sampled in winter [33].
