Detection of West Nile Virus in UK Chickens
Author Information
Author(s): Alan Buckley, Alistair Dawson, Ernest A Gould
Primary Institution: CEH Oxford
Hypothesis
Is there evidence of seroconversion to West Nile virus, Usutu virus, and Sindbis virus in sentinel chickens in the UK?
Conclusion
The study found that sentinel chickens in the UK developed antibodies to West Nile virus, indicating its circulation among birds.
Supporting Evidence
- Maternal antibodies to West Nile virus in hatchlings declined within three weeks.
- By day 46, the proportion of seropositive chickens for West Nile virus increased significantly.
- Chickens kept indoors still showed antibody responses to West Nile virus.
Takeaway
The researchers checked chickens for signs of a virus called West Nile and found that many had developed antibodies, showing they had been exposed to it.
Methodology
Sentinel chickens were tested for neutralizing antibodies against West Nile virus, Usutu virus, and Sindbis virus using plaque reduction neutralization tests.
Limitations
The study was limited by the small volume of serum obtainable from very young chicks.
Participant Demographics
Sentinel chickens were hatched in three groups at different times and reared outdoors and indoors.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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