Implications of migratory and exotic birds and the mosquito community on West Nile virus transmission
Martina Ferraguti, Sergio Magallanes, Carlos Mora‐Rubio, Daniel Bravo‐Barriga, Alfonso Marzal, Irene Hernandez‐Caballero, Pilar Aguilera‐Sepúlveda, Francisco Rubio Llorente, Elisa Pérez‐Ramírez, Fátima Guerrero‐Carvajal, Miguel Ángel Jiménez‐Clavero, Eva María Frontera Carrión, Juan Antonio Ortiz, Florentino de Lope
Abstract
Background Vector-borne diseases like West Nile virus (WNV) pose a global health challenge, with rising incidence and distribution. Culex mosquitoes are crucial WNV vectors. Avian species composition and bird community diversity, along with vector communities, influence WNV transmission patterns. However, limited knowledge exists on their impact in southwestern Spain, an area with active WNV circulation in wild birds, mosquitoes, and humans.Methods To address this, we conducted a comprehensive study investigating the contributions of migratory and exotic bird species to WNV transmission and the influence of mosquito community composition.Results Analysing 1194 serum samples from 44 avian species, we detected WNV antibodies in 32 samples from 11 species, four for the first time in Europe. Migratory birds had higher WNV exposure likelihood than native and exotic species, and higher phylogenetic diversity in bird communities correlated with lower exposure rates. Moreover, in 5859 female mosquitoes belonging to 12 species, we identified WNV competent vectors like Cx. pipiens s.l. and the Univittatus subgroup. Birds with WNV antibodies were positively associated with competent vector abundance, but negatively with overall mosquito species richness.Conclusions These findings highlight the complex interactions between bird species, their phylogenetics, and mosquito vectors in WNV transmission. Understanding these dynamics will help to implement effective disease control strategies in southwestern Spain.