The National Aviary in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania was awarded a $40,000 competitive matching grant to develop methods for early detection and identification of the bacteria that causes avian tuberculosis (mycobacteriosis). Avian TB is difficult to diagnose and treat in living birds. The two-year project is funded by the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and will provide support for a laboratory technician as well as money for new equipment. Research will be conducted under the direction of Dave Zaitlin, Ph.D., the National Aviary's geneticist, and Dr. Robert Wagner, V.M.D., consulting avian veterinarian. Research will use techniques to detect mycobacteria in living birds before they show clinical signs of the disease. For more information on the grant, contact Dr. Dave Zaitlin (412) 323-7235, extension 240. To find out more about the National Aviary, visit its Web site at www.aviary.org or call (412) 323-7235.