A M Boyd1, B H Kay. 1. Queensland Institute of Medical Research and University of Queensland, Tropical Health Program, Post Office Royal Brisbane Hospital.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine whether dogs and cats are potential reservoirs of Ross River (RR) and Barmah Forest (BF) viruses METHOD: Young seronegative female dogs and cats were experimentally exposed to the viruses using Ochlerotatus vigilax (Skuse) mosquitoes. RESULTS: Only one of the 10 dogs and one of the 10 cats exposed to RR developed neutralising antibody. None of the animals developed detectable viraemia or clinical signs. One dog and three cats exposed to BF developed neutralising antibody. In addition, a serological survey of sera obtained from domestic dogs and cats residing in the Brisbane region indicated that 23.7% and 1.3% of dogs, and 14% and 2% of cats, had neutralising antibodies to RR and BF respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Although dogs and cats are exposed naturally to these viruses, and can become infected, they are unlikely to be important urban reservoirs of either virus.
OBJECTIVE: To determine whether dogs and cats are potential reservoirs of Ross River (RR) and Barmah Forest (BF) viruses METHOD: Young seronegative female dogs and cats were experimentally exposed to the viruses using Ochlerotatus vigilax (Skuse) mosquitoes. RESULTS: Only one of the 10 dogs and one of the 10 cats exposed to RR developed neutralising antibody. None of the animals developed detectable viraemia or clinical signs. One dog and three cats exposed to BF developed neutralising antibody. In addition, a serological survey of sera obtained from domestic dogs and cats residing in the Brisbane region indicated that 23.7% and 1.3% of dogs, and 14% and 2% of cats, had neutralising antibodies to RR and BF respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Although dogs and cats are exposed naturally to these viruses, and can become infected, they are unlikely to be important urban reservoirs of either virus.
Authors: Suchithra Naish; Wenbiao Hu; Neville Nicholls; John S Mackenzie; Anthony J McMichael; Pat Dale; Shilu Tong Journal: Environ Health Perspect Date: 2006-05 Impact factor: 9.031