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Changes in West Nile virus seroprevalence and antibody titers among Wisconsin mesopredators 2003-2006

Douglas E Docherty1, Michael D Samuel, Kristina F Egstad

  • 1United States Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, Wisconsin 53711, USA. ddocherty@usgs.gov

The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
|June 27, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Mesopredators in Wisconsin showed higher West Nile virus (WNV) exposure during the 2003-2004 epizootic phase. WNV antibodies in these mammals persist for less than a year, indicating their potential as sensitive indicators for public health surveillance.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Medicine
  • Epidemiology
  • Wildlife Ecology

Background:

  • West Nile virus (WNV) emerged in Wisconsin in 2001.
  • Mesopredators are mammals that prey on smaller animals and can be exposed to WNV through vectors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine WNV antibody prevalence and geometric mean antibody titer (GMAT) in south-central Wisconsin mesopredators from 2003-2006.
  • To assess the role of mesopredators in WNV transmission dynamics and their utility in public health surveillance.

Main Methods:

  • Sera were collected from mesopredators in south-central Wisconsin between 2003 and 2006.
  • WNV antibody prevalence and GMAT were determined using serological assays.

Main Results:

  • Higher WNV antibody prevalence and GMAT in 2003-2004 suggest greater mesopredator exposure during the epizootic phase.
  • Lower prevalence in 2005-2006, similar to other flaviviruses, indicates a likely enzootic phase.
  • WNV antibodies in mesopredators persist for less than one year, suggesting vector-borne transmission is the primary infection route.

Conclusions:

  • Mesopredators may serve as sensitive indicators of WNV spill-over to humans and horses.
  • Mesopredator sero-surveys can complement existing surveillance methods like dead crow monitoring.
  • Further research is needed to understand WNV infection dynamics in mesopredators and their role as potential amplifiers.

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