Finally, we empirically multiplexed a set of 16 short (10-mer) primers designed for the Poxviridae family. This demonstrated specific amplification of the expected viral fragment from vaccinia Lister strain. This preliminary demonstration suggests that specific amplification with family-level multiplexed sets of short primers might be feasible for viral detection and discovery, particularly as a means for selective enrichment of viral target for downstream amplicon characterization (e.g. sequencing or probe hybridization).