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Efficacy of eastern equine encephalitis immunization in whooping cranes
G H Olsen1, M J Turell, B B Pagac
1Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Laurel, Maryland 20708, USA.
Journal of Wildlife Diseases
|April 1, 1997
Summary
Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) vaccination protected whooping cranes during a 1989 epizootic. No deaths occurred in vaccinated whooping cranes, indicating the EEE immunization program was effective.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Wildlife Disease Ecology
- Avian Pathology
Background:
- An epizootic of eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) occurred at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in 1989.
- Eastern equine encephalitis poses a significant mortality risk to whooping cranes, with a historical case fatality rate of 35%.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of EEE immunization in protecting whooping cranes (Grus americana) during a natural epizootic.
- To assess the impact of EEE virus exposure on a population of vaccinated whooping cranes.
Main Methods:
- Monitoring of whooping crane flock health and mortality during the 1989 EEE epizootic.
- Estimation of expected EEE exposure and mortality rates based on sandhill crane (Grus canadensis) seroconversion data.
- Comparison of observed mortality in vaccinated whooping cranes against predicted mortality.
Main Results:
- 31% of sympatric sandhill cranes showed seroconversion, indicating significant EEE virus circulation.
- Based on sandhill crane data and historical whooping crane fatality rates, 37% (17 of 46) of susceptible whooping cranes were expected to be exposed, with six predicted deaths.
- No deaths were recorded in the vaccinated whooping crane population during the epizootic.
Conclusions:
- The EEE vaccination program demonstrated significant efficacy in preventing mortality in whooping cranes during the 1989 epizootic.
- Immunization against eastern equine encephalitis is a viable strategy for protecting endangered whooping crane populations from viral outbreaks.