Rift Valley Fever Virus Infection Causes Acute Encephalitis in the Ferret
Dominique J. Barbeau, Joseph R. Albe, Sham Nambulli, Natasha L. Tilston‐Lunel, Amy L. Hartman, Seema S. Lakdawala, Ed Klein, W. Paul Duprex, Anita K. McElroy
Abstract
Animal models of viral disease are very important for understanding how viruses make people sick and for testing out drugs and vaccines to see if they can prevent disease. In this study, we identify the ferret as a model of encephalitis caused by Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV). This novel model will allow researchers to evaluate ways to prevent RVFV encephalitis.
Topics & Concepts
Rift Valley feverVirologyEncephalitisGeologyVirusMedicineViral Infections and VectorsViral Infections and Outbreaks ResearchVector-Borne Animal Diseases