Mosquitos Associated with Equine West Nile Virus Cases in Southeastern Georgia

Mosquito populations associated with equine and avian cases of West Nile Virus infections in five counties in southeastern Georgia were sampled in 2003 and 2004. More than 10,500 mosquitoes representing over 20 species were collected at 25 sites using light traps and vacuum aspirators. Of these, 8,500 mosquitoes were tested for the presence of West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus, and Saint Louis Encephalitis Virus in 411 separate pools of 1-50 mosquitoes. No virus positive mosquitoes were detected. Blood meals from 377 engorged specimens caught at these sites were identified as of mammalian, avian, or reptile/amphibian origin using serological methods. Overall, results suggest that Culex nigripalpus was the most likely vector of West Nile Virus at rural sites in southeastern Georgia, because of the relative abundance of this species and its pattern of blood feeding on both birds and mammals.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science in Biology (M.S.)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis (open access)

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Department of Biology

Year dc:date.available

2006

Author dc:creator

• Hancock, Calvin William

Contributors dc:contributor

• Oscar Pung
• Lance Durden
• Quentin Fang

• ETD
• Mosquitoes
• West Nile Virus
• Blood Meal Identification
• Host Feeding Patterns
• Bridge Vectors

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/etd/710

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu:etd-1710