An Investigation of West Nile Virus Infection in Local Wild Birds Species

Abstract

The transmission of West Nile Virus (WNV) to new locations is mostly facilitated by migratory birds. Türkiye's domestic ducks, geese, and chickens have already tested positive for WNV by serology. This study was conducted to identify the seroprevalence of WNV in wild bird species because wild birds in the Western Mediterranean Region are found along migration routes from Africa to Europe, they are home to a wide variety of bird species due to the abundance of lakes and wetlands, the mild Mediterranean climate, and some areas that are suitable habitat for mosquitoes due to their low altitude. Serum samples were taken from 141 wild birds in Isparta (66), Burdur (42), and Antalya (33) for this study on birds in the wild. During serological studies, there was no evidence of WNV-specific antibodies.