Spatial and temporal distribution of West Nile virus in horses in Israel (1997-2013)--from endemic to epidemics.

ABSTRACT: With the rapid global spread of West Nile virus (WNV) and the endemic state it has acquired in new geographical areas, we hereby bring a thorough serological investigation of WNV in horses in a longstanding endemic region, such as Israel. This study evaluates the environmental and demographic risk factors for WNV infection in horses and suggests possible factors associated with the transition from endemic to epidemic state. West Nile virus seroprevalence in horses in Israel was determined throughout a period of more than a decade, before (1997) and after (2002 and 2013) the massive West Nile fever outbreak in humans and horses in 2000. An increase in seroprevalence was observed, from 39% (113/290) in 1997 to 66.1% (547/827) in 2002 and 85.5% (153/179) in 2013, with persistent significantly

SUBMITTER: Aharonson-Raz K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4234662 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature