Natural Overwintering Hosts of the Virus of Western Equine Encephalitis

Abstract

THE natural host (or hosts) for maintenance of the virus of Western equine encephalitis in nature during the winter months has not been definitely determined.Specific antibody has been demonstrated, and the virus isolated from several species of mammals and birds, particularly during epidemic periods or at times when mosquitoes were active.^{1 2 3} Reeves and his associates⁴ were able to produce a chronic viremia in experimentally infected birds, but Kissling et al.⁵ studied 1503 wild birds and failed to isolate virus during the winter or spring. However, during the season when mosquitoes were active, virus–infected birds were found.The principal vector . . .