Gert van der Hoek
In Memoriam - Editor, Senior Moderator
april 25, 2021
Well, a few days ago, several researchers from the University of Extremadura, the INIA-CISA and the Center for Biomedical Research in the Epidemiology and Public Health Network (CIBERESP) have published a study showing that there is a high circulation of the West Nile virus in wild birds of Extremadura.
The tests found specific antibodies against West Nile virus in a black stork for the first time in Europe and they located lineage 1 of the West Nile virus in symptomatic birds classified as vulnerable or in danger of extinction such as griffon vultures and owlets, so it is essential to study how populations of these birds respond to the virus.
High prevalence
The high localized prevalence in Extremadura birds implies that the West Nile virus has a high circulation in the region, therefore it is quite possible that the distribution is wide and that it is also circulating in neighboring communities.
This situation implies that it is necessary to increase surveillance and monitoring, since rising temperatures, which will occur in the coming weeks, will facilitate the increase in mosquito populations, so the vector will be incorporated into the scenario. If the appropriate measures are not taken, it is possible that new outbreaks of the West Nile virus could emerge, as happened last summer.
Well, a few days ago, several researchers from the University of Extremadura, the INIA-CISA and the Center for Biomedical Research in the Epidemiology and Public Health Network (CIBERESP) have published a study showing that there is a high circulation of the West Nile virus in wild birds of Extremadura.
The tests found specific antibodies against West Nile virus in a black stork for the first time in Europe and they located lineage 1 of the West Nile virus in symptomatic birds classified as vulnerable or in danger of extinction such as griffon vultures and owlets, so it is essential to study how populations of these birds respond to the virus.
High prevalence
The high localized prevalence in Extremadura birds implies that the West Nile virus has a high circulation in the region, therefore it is quite possible that the distribution is wide and that it is also circulating in neighboring communities.
This situation implies that it is necessary to increase surveillance and monitoring, since rising temperatures, which will occur in the coming weeks, will facilitate the increase in mosquito populations, so the vector will be incorporated into the scenario. If the appropriate measures are not taken, it is possible that new outbreaks of the West Nile virus could emerge, as happened last summer.