West nile virus

West nile virus (WNV) is a single-stranded RNA virus that causes West Nile fever. West Nile Virus has been reported in Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and North America.

Hosts: WNV has a broad host range, although the primary hosts are birds and mosquitoes. Over 300 different species of bird have been shown to be infected with the virus.

Transmission: WNV is mainly transmitted through infected mosquitoes, with Culex species the most significant.

References

Taxonomy

  • Order: Amarillovirales
  • Family: Flaviviridae
  • Genus: Flavivirus

Hosts

  • wild birds
  • ducks
  • chickens
  • horses