West Nile

Significant findings:

1. WNV appears to be a slightly gender specific killer in avian populations. Females died at the rate of 2:1

2. Food consumption increases to double to normal daily intake for surviving birds.

3. Blood sucking mites (Dermanyssus) appear to be an effective transport mechanism for WNV. This may account for the large number of dead roosting birds such as crows, blue jays and pigeons

4. Behavioural changes to counter the negative effects of WNV were noted in the older (+2year) males birds, and clearly had a positive impact on reducing hatchling mortality.

Subject to funding, these findings will be the focus for a similar multigenerational study into the second and third generations of these test finches.

West Nile Virus ontario health bird kill dates 2002

Live End West Nile Virus reproductive impact assement April 2003