West Nile Virus in Domestic Geese
Author Information
Author(s): David E. Swayne, Joan R. Beck, Calandra S. Smith, Wun-Ju Shieh, Sharif R. Zaki
Primary Institution: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory
Hypothesis
Can West Nile virus cause severe disease in young domestic geese?
Conclusion
West Nile virus infection in young domestic geese leads to significant clinical signs and mortality, indicating they can serve as a reservoir for the virus.
Supporting Evidence
- WN virus was isolated from brain, heart, kidney, and intestine of goslings.
- Clinical signs included depression, weight loss, torticollis, and opisthotonus.
- Transient viremia developed 1 to 5 days post-inoculation with peak titers on days 2 and 3.
Takeaway
Young geese can get very sick and die from West Nile virus, which is usually spread by mosquitoes.
Methodology
Four 2-week-old Embden geese were inoculated with West Nile virus and observed for clinical signs over 21 days.
Limitations
The study was limited to a small sample size of four geese.
Participant Demographics
2-week-old Embden geese.
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