SUSCEPTIBILITY OF TWO TURTLE SPECIES TO EASTERN EQUINE ENCEPHALITIS VIRUS

Abstract

Two species of turtles collected in southern New England, USA, were inoculated s.c. with eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV). The spotted turtles (Clemmys guttata) developed viremia and neutralizing antibody after exposure to 3 logs or more of virus. Viremia was not detected in the eastern painted turtles (Chrysemys picta), and neutralizing antibody was detected in only 1 of 15 inoculated C. picta; since pre-inoculation serum was not obtained from this animal, the possibility of natural infection cannot be eliminated. [These findings have relevance to the suitability of turtles as overwintering hosts for EEEV.].