North American House Sparrows Are Competent for Usutu Virus Transmission
Sarah C. Kuchinsky, Jeffrey M. Marano, Seth A. Hawks, Emma R. Loessberg, Christa F. Honaker, P.B. Siegel, Chloé Lahondère, Tanya LeRoith, James Weger‐Lucarelli, Nisha K. Duggal
Abstract
spp. mosquitoes and various avian species. To date, few experimental data exist for determining which bird species are important for the maintenance of USUV. Our studies showed that house sparrows can transmit infectious Usutu virus, indicating their role as a competent host species. By identifying reservoir species of USUV, we can predict areas of USUV emergence and mitigate its impacts on global human and wildlife health.
Topics & Concepts
VirologyBiologyTransmission (telecommunications)VirusEncephalitisCulexFlavivirusJapanese encephalitisZoologyEcologyEngineeringElectrical engineeringLarvaMosquito-borne diseases and controlViral Infections and VectorsVector-borne infectious diseases