Crow deaths as a sentinel surveillance system for West Nile virus in the northeastern United States, 1999

M. Eidson; N. Komar; F. Sorhage; R. Nelson; T. Talbot; F. Mostashari; R. McLean; West Nile Virus Avian Mortality Surveillance Group

doi:10.3201/eid0704.017402

USGS · 1003993

Crow deaths as a sentinel surveillance system for West Nile virus in the northeastern United States, 1999

M. Eidson·N. Komar·F. Sorhage·R. Nelson·T. Talbot·F. Mostashari·R. McLean·West Nile Virus Avian Mortality Surveillance Group

View original source ↗Export metadata ↓

Abstract

In addition to human encephalitis and meningitis cases, the West Nile (WN) virus outbreak in the summer and fall of 1999 in New York State resulted in bird deaths in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. From August to December 1999, 295 dead birds were laboratory-confirmed with WN virus infection; 262 (89%) were American Crows ( Corvus brachyrhynchos ). The New York State Department of Health received reports of 17,339 dead birds, including 5,697 (33%) crows; in Connecticut 1,040 dead crows were reported. Bird deaths were critical in identifying WN virus as the cause of the human outbreak and defining its geographic and temporal limits. If established before a WN virus outbreak, a surveillance system based on bird deaths may provide a sensitive method of detecting WN virus.

Explore related subjects

Emerging Infectious Diseases Article

Source-reported bounding extent: 38.928519° to 45.01585° latitude; -79.761951° to -71.786994° longitude. This indicates report coverage, not an exact sampling location. View area on OpenStreetMap.

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeX RIS

M. Eidson, N. Komar, F. Sorhage, R. Nelson, T. Talbot, F. Mostashari, R. McLean, West Nile Virus Avian Mortality Surveillance Group. 2001. Crow deaths as a sentinel surveillance system for West Nile virus in the northeastern United States, 1999. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid0704.017402

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related USGS reports

USGS2025

Mortality event in rainbow snakes linked to snake fungal disease, United States

We report mortality in rainbow snakes in Virginia and North Carolina, USA, linked to snake fungal disease caused by Ophidiomyces ophidiicola . During 2013–2023, we observed 46 dead rainbow snakes with lesions indicative of snake fungal disease, noted elevated disease severity compared with other species, and recorded fewer live snakes over time.

North Carolina, Virginia↗

USGS2025

Safety and immunogenicity of poultry vaccine for protecting critically endangered avian species against highly pathogenic avian influenza virus, United States

In 2023, an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza occurred among critically endangered California condors ( Gymnogyps californianus ), and > 21 died. We evaluated safety, immunogenicity, vaccination strategies, and correlates of antibody response of an influenza vaccine for poultry in black vultures ( Coragyps atratus ) and then California condors. We noted differences in antibody titers between vaccinated and unvaccinated birds (vultures p < 0.004; condors p < 0.02) but no adverse effects of vaccination. All vaccinated vultures and 80% of vaccinated condors showed maximum measured antibody response within the published range associated with survival of vaccinated and virally challenged chickens. We noted weak evidence of higher antibody responses for birds given two 0.5-mL vaccines versus those given one 1-mL vaccine but no correlation between antibody titers and sex for either species or between antibody titers and bone lead concentrations in vultures. Our results prompted initiation of a vaccination program for condors that could reduce spread of this disease among highly threatened species.

Emerging Infectious Diseases↗

USGS2025

Exposure of wild mammals inhabiting Alaska to influenza A(H5N1) virus

Serum samples from wild mammals inhabiting Alaska, USA, showed that 4 species, including Ursus arctos bears and Vulpes vulpes foxes, were exposed to influenza A(H5N1) viruses. Results indicated some mammals in Alaska survived H5N1 virus infection. Surveillance efforts may be improved by incorporating information on susceptibility and detectable immune responses among wild mammals.

Alaska↗