Dead Bird Surveillance as an Early Warning System for West Nile Virus

Emerging Infectious Diseases

关键词: West Nile virus;    encephalitis;    humans;    birds;    flavivirus;    epidemiology;   

DOI  :  10.3201/eid0704.017405

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

As part of West Nile (WN) virus surveillance in New York State in 2000, 71,332 ill or dead birds were reported; 17,571 (24.6%) of these were American Crows. Of 3,976 dead birds tested, 1,263 (31.8%) were positive for WN virus. Viral activity was first confirmed in 60 of the state's 62 counties with WN virus-positive dead birds. Pathologic findings compatible with WN virus were seen in 1,576 birds (39.6% of those tested), of which 832 (52.8%) were positive for WN virus. Dead crow reports preceded confirmation of viral activity by several months, and WN virus-positive birds were found >3 months before the onset of human cases. Dead bird surveillance appears to be valuable for early detection of WN virus and for guiding public education and mosquito control efforts.

【 授权许可】

Unknown