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West Nile virus antibodies sought in birds in England

30 October 2002

Scientists at the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology at Oxford are investigating live birds to see whether or not West Nile virus is present and being actively transmitted between resident and migratory birds. No infectious virus has as yet been detected.

The birds sampled were healthy, implying that if present the virus is not virulent and may have been introduced into the UK for many years. There is no evidence that the virus has been transmitted from mosquitoes to people in the UK and there is no evidence of a threat to other wildlife species, farm animals or pets. This is the first time that evidence for the presence of this virus in the UK has been sought.

A paper is being prepared for publication and when ready will be submitted for peer review.

No further information other than that given here can be issued until the scientists have had their work assessed by the scientific community.

Further information

NERC Press Office
Natural Environment Research Council
Polaris House, North Star Avenue
Swindon, SN2 1EU
Tel: 01793 411561
Mob: 07917 557215

Notes

1. West Nile virus (WNV) is believed to have originated in Africa and then radiated northwards to Europe, north eastwards to Asia and south eastwards to India, south east Asia and as a descendant virus, to Australia (named Kunjin virus). In Africa, the virus is not particularly associated with significant morbidity and mortality either in birds, other animal species or humans but in some European countries (Romania France, Italy), epidemic outbreaks of West Nile fever and encephalitis - in some cases fatal - have been recorded in humans and in horses.

2. In the USA the virus has been responsible for more than 190 deaths in humans this year. It may have been introduced accidentally, either by mosquitoes carried in luggage or by infected birds imported illegally into the country.

3. Although West Nile virus may be present and active in birds in the UK there is no obvious immediate threat to the human or animal population. Nevertheless, the possibility of this situation changing in the near future must be assessed and further monitoring is advisable.

Press release: 11/02

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