Factors Favoring West Nile Virus Spread Analyzed

The West Nile Virus (WNV) can be transmitted by birds and mosquitoes, but researchers have recently discovered that only particular species play determining roles in guiding the spread of infection. In these birds, for example, feeding patterns dictate the spread of WNV over a new territory.

In a paper published in the latest issue of the journal Science, experts say that these species of birds and mosquitoes need to become the target of more research, and maybe even decontamination measures aimed at ensuring that the virus does not run rampant through all countries.

“We now know that in any given location, only one or two species of mosquitoes play a big role, and only a handful of birds appear to be important in overall transmission rates,” explains University of California in Santa Cruz (UCSC) biologist Marm Kilpatrick.