Serological examinations for antibodies against West Nile virus, Semlikivirus and chikungunyavirus in laboratory mice, parasitized by nidicole fauna from swallow's nests.

Experimental mice in swallow's (NMRI) nests highly infested with swallow bugs (Hirundo rustica) revealed antibodies against West Nile virus, Semliki virus and Chikungunya virus. Additional nidicole ectoparasites were not controlled and could also play a role in the occurrence of infection in experimental mice. Swallows and sparrows (Passer domesticus) additional nest inhabitants appear to be the ultimate link in this infection pathway as swallow bugs seldom migrate into dwellings to infest humans. RMSF-group antibodies and antibodies against ornithosis are rather seldom found. The import of West Nile virus, Chikungunya virus and Semliki virus to Austria through bug-parasitized swallows or other nidicole mites and insects can be assumed based on the presented results.