Document Type
Article
Publication Date
12-1-2005
Department
Biological Sciences
School
Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) infections in free-ranging birds were studied in Slidell, St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana, after a human encephalitis outbreak peaked there in July 2002. Seroprevalence in resident, free-ranging wild birds in one suburban site was 25% and 24% in August and October, respectively, indicating that most transmission had ceased by early August. Mortality rates, seroprevalence rates, host competence, and crude population estimates were used in mathematical models to predict actual infection rates, population impacts, and importance as amplifying hosts for several common passerine birds. Northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) and house sparrow (Passer domesticus) were the principal amplifying hosts, but blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata) and northern mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) also contributed. The blue jay population was reduced by an estimated 47%. A variety of passerine bird species combined to play an important role as amplifying hosts in the WNV transmission cycle.
Publication Title
American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Volume
73
Issue
6
First Page
1031
Last Page
1037
Recommended Citation
Komar, N.,
Panella, N. A.,
Langevin, S. A.,
Brault, A. C.,
Amador, M.,
Edwards, E.,
Owen, J. C.
(2005). Avian Hosts for West Nile Virus in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana, 2002. American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 73(6), 1031-1037.
Available at: https://aquila.usm.edu/fac_pubs/8572
Comments
©American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene