Serologic evidence of West Nile virus infection in black bears (Ursus americanus) from New Jersey

J Wildl Dis. 2003 Oct;39(4):894-6. doi: 10.7589/0090-3558-39.4.894.

Abstract

Serum samples obtained from 51 free-ranging black bears (Ursus americanus) in northwestern New Jersey in February and March 2002 were analyzed for neutralizing antibodies to West Nile virus (WNV) and St. Louis encephalitis virus. Three (6%) of the black bears tested positive for WNV-neutralizing antibodies. One additional sample was positive for flavivirus-neutralizing antibodies but could not be differentiated for a specific virus type. This is the first report of WNV infection in black bears.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Wild
  • Antibodies, Viral / blood*
  • Female
  • Male
  • Neutralization Tests / veterinary
  • New Jersey / epidemiology
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Ursidae* / blood
  • Ursidae* / virology
  • West Nile Fever / epidemiology
  • West Nile Fever / veterinary*
  • West Nile virus / immunology
  • West Nile virus / isolation & purification*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral