Viral agents producing both a syncytial-type cytopathic effect and type A intranuclear inclusion bodies in vitro were isolated from the kidneys of five of 10 wild turkeys. A plaque assay system for viral infectivity was developed and used to characterize one of the wild turkey viruses (WTV). WTV replication was inhibited by 5-bromodeoxyuridine, indicating the virus contained DNA as its genetic material. Virus infectivity could be transferred only as viable whole cell preparations; one cycle of rapid freezing and thawing completely inactivated the virus. Typical herpes-like virions were found within the nuclei when cells infected with WTV were examined by electron microscopy. WTV had characteristics typical of the herpes group of viruses.