Detection of tick-borne encephalitis virus in I. ricinus ticks collected from autumn migratory birds in Latvia

Ticks Tick Borne Dis. 2015 Mar;6(2):178-80. doi: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2014.11.011. Epub 2014 Dec 6.

Abstract

Birds have a potential of spreading ticks via bird migration routes. In this study, we screened 170 ticks removed during autumn 2010 from 55 birds belonging to 10 species for the presence of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). In total, TBEV RNA was detected in 14% of I. ricinus tick samples obtained from different birds species. The results of this study indicate the possible role of migrating birds in the dispersal of TBEV-infected ticks along the southward migration route.

Keywords: Birds; Latvia; Tick-borne encephalitis virus.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animal Migration
  • Animals
  • Arachnid Vectors / virology*
  • Bird Diseases / epidemiology
  • Bird Diseases / parasitology
  • Bird Diseases / virology*
  • Birds
  • Encephalitis Viruses, Tick-Borne / genetics
  • Encephalitis Viruses, Tick-Borne / isolation & purification*
  • Encephalitis, Tick-Borne / epidemiology
  • Encephalitis, Tick-Borne / virology*
  • Humans
  • Ixodes / virology*
  • Latvia / epidemiology
  • RNA, Viral / genetics
  • Seasons
  • Zoonoses

Substances

  • RNA, Viral