Re: Raptors Dying of West Nile Virus

Does anyone have definitive laboratory confirmed results of WNV from
raptors associated with these dieoffs yet? If so, what is the prevalence
of infection with the virus? If not, what is the reason (s) for the delay
in getting the results since this appears to be a serious problem that has
been progressing for weeks now and needs to be addressed. Are dead
free-ranging raptors being observed and tested in these states also?
Obviously, other disease agents and toxins are being investigated as well.
Experimental results from use of the equine vaccine in American crows
showed some protection from challenge with WNV (5 of 11 survived) in this
very susceptible species (0 of 9 unvaccinated crows survived). This is
only limited protection, but as was suggested it may be worth it to
vaccinate valuable birds anyhow because the vaccine itself did not harm the
crows either.

It was mentioned that WNV has been confirmed in birds in all contiguous
states except Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and Washington. Is there data on
confirmed WNV positive birds in California, Oregon, and Idaho?

Bob McLean

                      Environmental Risk
                      Analysis Program To: WESTNILEVIRUS-L@cornell.edu (WESTNILEVIRUS-L)
                      <envrisk@cornell.edu> cc: raptor@umn.edu
                      Sent by: Subject: Raptors Dying of West Nile Virus
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                      09/13/02 11:32 AM
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                      envrisk

Source: The Raptor Center, News Release Sept 3, 2002
(http://www.raptor.cvm.umn.edu/content.asp?page=1028)

RAPTORS DYING OF WEST NILE VIRUS

MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (Sept. 3, 2002) -The Raptor Center at the
University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine is receiving
reports from all over the Midwest about raptors sick or dead from the
West Nile virus, says Dr. Pat Redig, The Raptor Center's director.

"As of Aug. 23, there have been confirmed cases of West Nile virus
causing death in raptors in Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan,
Missouri, Nebraska, and Ohio -- most since July 15," he says. "There
are many more suspected cases, and the geographical distribution and
range of species affected changes every couple of days. In recent
days, it seems to have hit Minnesota."

Kathryn A. Converse, wildlife disease specialist with the National
Wildlife Health Center in Madison, Wis., confirms that her
organization has received reports of increasing numbers of raptors
being picked up sick or dead in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan,
and Iowa.

"Ohio has reported well over 100 great horned owls and red-tailed
hawks, and each of the other states have estimated 'dozens' of
birds," she says.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, each of the contiguous
states except Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and Washington had suspected or
confirmed cases of West Nile virus in birds as of Aug. 21. Raptor
species reported to the Centers for Disease Control's West Nile Virus
avian mortality database include bald eagles, golden eagles, ospreys,
merlins, Cooper's hawks, and several species of owls. Even companion
birds, from zebra finches (a tiny bird native to Australia) to macaws
(a large, colorful parrot native to South America) are reported to
have died from the virus.

As The Raptor Center works to get the word out to nature centers and
zoos that have captive raptors, it continues to receive dozens of
calls and e-mails a day from concerned veterinarians, wildlife
rehabilitators, and others who care for birds of prey. Their main
questions: How can we protect raptors and other birds from the West
Nile virus? Is there a vaccine?

The single best way to prevent West Nile virus in birds is by
protecting them from mosquito bites, Redig says. While there is a
vaccine for horses, veterinarians don't know for sure whether the
vaccine will work for other species.

"What we know so far is that two doses can be given three to four
weeks apart with no apparent side effects, at least in birds tested
to date," Redig explains. "We have no idea if this confers
protection, but it doesn't appear to do any harm and it may prep the
immune system to react more vigorously if the bird becomes infected."

The Raptor Center's first suspected case of West Nile virus was in a
great horned owl admitted Aug. 23 from Dakota County, for which it is
awaiting test results from the Minnesota Department of Health. They
are also admitting an unusually high number of owls and hawks - some
from other states such as Iowa, Illinois, and Ohio - in which West
Nile virus is "strongly suspected."

In the meantime, The Center has 101 patient eagles, hawks, owls, and
falcons and about 30 education birds that it is trying to protect
from the virus. Many birds normally housed outdoors have been brought
inside, and the usually bright and airy education courtyard is
shrouded in dark mosquito netting. Staff and volunteers are at work
stapling more netting to outdoor cages and flight pens.

"We're doing whatever we can to protect these birds," Redig says.
"These raptors are very special, very important, to all of us."

Established in 1974, The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota
College of Veterinary Medicine specializes in the medical care,
rehabilitation, conservation, and study of eagles, hawks, owls, and
falcons. In addition to treating approximately 700 birds a year, the
internationally known program provides training in raptor medicine
and surgery for veterinarians from around the world, reaches more
than 250,000 people each year through public education programs and
events, and identifies emerging issues related to raptor health and
populations. The majority of its funding comes from private donations.

The Raptor Center
College of Veterinary Medicine
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
1920 Fitch Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55108-6108
www.raptor.cvm.umn.edu
Raptor Center FAQs about the West Nile Virus:
http://www.raptor.cvm.umn.edu/content.asp?page=1101

Contacts: Dr. Pat Redig, Director, 612-624-4969
Sue Kirchoff, Public Information Coordinator, 612-624-3781

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