Among 713 equids sampled in northeastern Brazil during 2013-2018, West Nile virus seroprevalence was 4.5% (95% CI 3.1%-6.3%). Mathematical modeling substantiated higher seroprevalence adjacent to an avian migratory route and in areas characterized by forest loss, implying increased risk for zoonotic infections in disturbed areas.
Keywords: Brazil; West Nile virus; equids; flaviviruses; horses; meningitis/encephalitis; mosquitoborne disease; mosquitoes; vector-borne infections; viruses; zoonoses.