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Experimental Infection of Birds with Epidemic Venezuelan Encephalitis Virus

Sixty-three birds representing 13 species were inoculated with a strain of epidemic Venezuelan encephalitis (VE) virus from the 1971 Texas outbreak. More than 95% of the birds became infected. Mortality which could be attributed to infection with VE virus was very low. Viremia persisted 2–6 days. Peak viremia levels ranged from 10^3.2 to 10^8.2 suckling mouse intracranial 50% lethal doses per milliliter (SMICLD₅₀/ml). Blood virus levels were highest in juvenile Louisiana Herons, adult Robins and adult Mockingbirds and were lowest in juvenile Common Egrets. Most bird species had blood virus levels about 10⁵ SMICLD₅₀/ml (high vector infection potential) for 2–3 days. Neutralizing antibody response was more uniform and frequent in herons (95%) than in passerines (56%). The role of birds in the epidemiology of Venezuelan encephalitis is discussed.

Accepted for publication December 31, 1976.