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Tree squirrels (Sciurus spp.) have exhibited high seroprevalence rates, suggesting that they are commonly exposed to West Nile virus (WNV). Many characteristics of WNV infections in tree squirrels, such as the durations and levels of viremia, remain unknown. To better understand WNV infections in fox squirrels (S. niger), we subcutaneously inoculated fourteen fox squirrels with WNV. Peak viremias ranged from 104.00 plaque-forming units (PFU)/mL of serum on day 2 post-infection (DPI) to 104.98 PFU/mL on 3 DPI, although viremias varied between individuals. Oral secretions of some fox squirrels were positive for WNV viral RNA, occasionally to moderate levels (103.2 PFU equivalent/swab). WNV PFU equivalents in organs were low or undetectable on 12 DPI; gross and histologic lesions were rare. The viremia profiles of fox squirrels indicate that they could serve as amplifying hosts in nature. In addition, viral RNA in the oral cavity and feces indicate that this species could contribute to alternative WNV transmission in suburban communities.
Received April 22, 2006. Accepted for publication June 14, 2006.
Acknowledgments: The authors thank H. Sullivan (NWRC) for laboratory assistance, G. Gathright (NWRC), K. Bird (NWRC), R. Swarz (NWRC), and H. Martinez (NWRC) and additional NWRC animal care staff for excellent animal care and both private and public land stewards for logistical assistance. We are greatly indebted to R. Bowen (CSU) for laboratory support, advice, and animal space.
Financial support: Funding for this work was provided by the US Department of Agriculture and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (LC: CDC IAA 03FED12031).
* Address correspondence to J. Jeffrey Root, National Wildlife Research Center, 4101 La Porte Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80521. E-mail: jeff.root{at}aphis.usda.gov
Authors’ addresses: J. Jeffrey Root, Paul T. Oesterle, Kaci Klenk, Robert G. McLean, Larry Clark, and Jeffrey S. Hall, National Wildlife Research Center, USDA/APHIS/WS, 4101 La Porte Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80521, Telephone: 970-266-6000, Fax: 970-266-6138, E-mail: jeff.root{at}aphis.usda.gov, paul.t.oesterle{at}aphis.usda.gov, kaci.klenk{at}aphis.usda.gov, robert.g.mclean{at}aphis.usda.gov, larry.clark{at}aphis.usda.gov, and jeffery.s.hall{at}aphis.usda.gov. Nicole M. Nemeth and Daniel H. Gould, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, Telephone: 970-491-6164, Fax: 970-491-0603, E-mail: nnemeth{at}lamar.colostate.edu and daniel.gould{at}colostate.edu.
Reprint requests: Dr. Jeff Root, National Wildlife Research Center, 4101 La Porte Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80521, E-mail: jeff.root{at}aphis.usda.gov.
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