- A West Nile virus-neutralizing antibody serosurvey was
conducted in Northwest New Jersey during the months of February and March
2002, in cooperation with the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife Services (FWS).
The samples were collected by NJ FWS, prepped by Rutgers, and analyzed
by CDC in Fort Collins, Colorado.
-
- Out of 51 samples of mostly female adult black bears,
3 were positive for West Nile virus-neutralizing antibodies. These results
warrant more investigations into the overall ecology of West Nile virus
in the Northeastern United States. A formal account will be published shortly
and presentations will be given at the NMCA and NJMCA meetings.
- ___
-
- Ary Farajollahi
- Department of Entomology
- Mosquito Research and Control
- 180 Jones Street
- New Brunswick, NJ 08901
- farajoll@rci.rutgers.edu
-
- [In the year 2000 outbreak 6 wild animals were reported
West Nile virus-positive (2 bats, 1 chipmunk, 1 rabbit, 1 squirrel, and
1 skunk). According to the final surveillance report for the year 2001
outbreak, horses were the only non-human mammals reported West Nile virus-positive
in 2001. Initial reports of West Nile virus infection of other mammals
were not confirmed subsequently. - Mod.CP]
|
