Abstract
The present study examined the influence of climate change on the spread of West Nile virus (WNV) in Canada among American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) by first identifying the significant climatic and environmental determinants of positive WNV cases in American crow specimens from 2009 to 2013. Using this information, we projected climate change scenarios on the potential spread of WNV in American crow species in Canada for three time periods: 2015–2039, 2040–2069, and 2070–2099. Using bird specimen, meteorological and land-use data, the statistical association between positive WNV cases in American crows and the environment was assessed by means of a general linear mixed model. Statistical results revealed that temperature and precipitation were significantly related to positive cases of WNV in American crows. Thus, climate change projections of summer mean temperature averages were projected for the three time periods. Climate change scenarios were created and imported into Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS) and an algorithm was applied using the raster calculator to spatially delineate current and future areas of risk. Spatial analyses revealed that increased warming in the near future may increase the latitudinal extension of WNV in American crows in Canada.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
