What role does the bird play in the transmission of the West Nile virus?
West Nile virus is transmitted to birds through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected by biting infected birds. Some birds that are predators (such as hawks and owls) or scavengers (such as crows) may become infected after eating sick or dead birds that were already infected with West Nile virus.
Are birds an amplifying host for West Nile virus?
First described in Uganda in 1937 [1], West Nile Virus (WNV) is an arbovirus of the Flaviviridae virus family, genus Flavivirus. It has a transmission cycle involving mosquitoes as vectors and birds as amplifying hosts or reservoirs, with humans and horses being primarily dead-end hosts [2,3].
What birds spread West Nile virus?
West Nile virus infects over 250 species of birds, but corvids (crows, blue jays, and ravens) and raptors are the most susceptible. Mammals, including humans, can also become infected with WNV from the bite of an infected mosquito.
Does West Nile virus affect birds?
The disease is spread by mosquitoes, and can affect not only birds but humans as well, usually causing flu-like symptoms. Birds with visible symptoms of West Nile virus often die within a few days. Affected birds will often be fluffed out and stay low to the ground, or seem off balance and unable to stand.
What is the West Nile virus genome composed of?
WNV genome is composed of an 11 kb positive RNA fragment that is translated to form a polyprotein. This polyprotein consists of three structural (C, prM/M and E) and seven non-structural proteins (NS1, NS2A, NS2B, NS3, NS4A, NS4B and NS5) [25]. Phylogenetically, WNV belongs to two major lineages, Lineage 1 and 2.
How do scientists know that robins are the preferred host for West Nile virus?
The robin is one of those key bird species and plays such a major role in West Nile virus transmission that Kilpatrick calls robins “super-spreaders” of the virus. This is because mosquitoes that transmit the virus seem to prefer robins over other, more abundant species of bird such as house sparrows.
What is the amplifying host for West Nile virus?
WNV is primarily transmitted to humans through bites of infected Culex species mosquitoes. Birds are the primary amplifying hosts. Mosquitoes acquire WNV by feeding on infected birds and transmit the virus to humans and other vertebrates during subsequent feeding.
What is an amplifying host?
Definition of amplifying host : an organism in which an infectious agent (such as a virus or bacterium) that is pathogenic for some other species is able to replicate rapidly and to high concentrations.
Is West Nile virus contagious?
West Nile virus is most commonly spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes then spread West Nile virus to people and other animals by biting them.
Does West Nile virus affect animals?
West Nile virus (WNV) primarily affects birds, but can also be infect bats, horses, cats, dogs, chipmunks, skunks, squirrels, domestic rabbits, alligators and humans. How can my animal get West Nile fever? WNV is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito (vector).
How common is West Nile virus in animals?
Although rare, it’s indeed possible for dogs to get West Nile virus. But you can take steps to protect your dog from danger.
Are there multiple strains of West Nile virus?
Two different West Nile virus (WNV) strains caused lethal encephalitis in a flock of geese and a goshawk in southeastern Hungary in 2003 and 2004, respectively. During the outbreak in geese, 14 confirmed human cases of WNV encephalitis and meningitis were reported in the same area.
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