West Nile Virus Viremia in Wild Rock Pigeons

Andrew B Allison,Daniel G Mead,Douglas M Hoffman,David E Stallknecht,Samantha E.J Gibbs

doi:10.3201/eid1012.040511

Andrew B Allison, Daniel G Mead + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3201/eid1012.040511

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Abstract

Feral rock pigeons were screened for neutralizing antibodies to West Nile virus (WNV) during late winter/spring and summer of 2002 and 2003. Additionally, virus isolation from serum was attempted from 269 birds collected during peak transmission periods. The observed viremia levels and seroprevalence indicate that this species could be involved in amplifying WNV in urban settings.

Highlights

Feral rock pigeons were screened for neutralizing antibodies to West Nile virus (WNV) during late winter/spring and summer of 2002 and 2003
The objectives of this study were to assess the extent of natural infection in free-ranging rock pigeons from metropolitan Atlanta 1 and 2 years subsequent to the recognition of WNV in Georgia and to field-validate experimental results relating to potential levels of viremia in this species
In 2002–2003, we conducted a serologic study on WNV exposure rates of rock pigeons from a single locale adjacent to metropolitan Atlanta

Summary

Rock Pigeons

Feral rock pigeons were screened for neutralizing antibodies to West Nile virus (WNV) during late winter/spring and summer of 2002 and 2003. The prototypical amplifying host for most bird-maintained arboviruses, such as West Nile virus (WNV) (Flavivirus; Flaviviridae), is a species that is locally abundant and readily accessible to arthropod vectors, develops a high level of viremia for an extended duration, and does not develop clinical disease [1]. The objectives of this study were to assess the extent of natural infection in free-ranging rock pigeons from metropolitan Atlanta 1 and 2 years subsequent to the recognition of WNV in Georgia and to field-validate experimental results relating to potential levels of viremia in this species. Serum samples collected during late winter/spring (February–April) were frozen at –70°C until screening for antibodies by a plaque-reduction neutralization test (PRNT).

Conclusions

Findings

We thank the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease