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American journal of epidemiology1975; 101(1); 36-50; doi: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.aje.a112069

Epidemic Venezuelan equine encephalitis in North America in 1971: vertebrate field studies.

Abstract: Epidemic Venezuelan equine encephalitis in North America in 1971: vertebrate field studies. Am J Epidemiol 101:36-50, 1975.-In June 1971, epidemic Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) invaded the lower Rio Grande Valley in south Texas. The Boca Chica area of Cameron County was selected as a study site to investigate vertebrate involvement in the natural cycle of epidemic VEE on the basis of considerable evidence of VEE virus activity there in equines, humans, and mosquito vectors. Only one VEE virus isolation was made from 4739 wild and domestic non-equine vertebrates, although numerous equine and human VEE virus isolations were made in concurrent studies. Serologic studies indicated that VEE virus activity was far greater in large domestic animals than in wild birds, wild mammals, or reptiles. Apparently epidemic VEE virus failed to establish itself in a wild vertebrate cycle in south Texas, since VEE antibody was found only in rabbits in 1972. Eventual cessation of VEE transmission in south Texas has been attributed 1) to the elimination of equines as a source of VEE virus by death, naturally acquired antibodies, or vaccination, 2) to quarantines, 3) to mosquito control, and 4) to the failure of epidemic VEE virus to become established in the wild vertebrate population. Equines emerge as the most important vertebrate host in the amplification and spread of virus during an epidemic of VEE.
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Publication Date: 1975-01-01 PubMed ID: 1119481DOI: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.aje.a112069Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This study investigates the pattern of Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) spread among wild and domestic animals during a 1971 epidemic in southern Texas, identifying horses as a significant amplifier and distributor of the virus.

Overview of the Study

  • The research was conducted in 1971 during an outbreak of Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) in southern Texas.
  • The researchers selected the lower Rio Grande Valley, specifically the Boca Chica area of Cameron County, as their point of investigation due to a high level of VEE activity among horses, humans, and mosquitoes.

Investigation Approach and Findings

  • The researchers examined a total of 4739 wild and domestic non-equine (non-horse) vertebrates for signs of VEE virus.
  • Only a single instance of VEE virus was isolated from these species, despite much higher rates of isolation from concurrent studies on horses and humans.
  • According to antibody studies, large domestic animals experienced significantly more VEE virus activity than wild birds, mammals, or reptiles.
  • In 1972, VEE antibodies were found exclusively in rabbits, indicating that the epidemic virus had failed to establish a new, sustainable cycle within the wild vertebrate population in southern Texas.

Key Factors in the Ceasing of VEE Transmission

  • The cessation of the VEE transmission has been attributed to four key factors:
  • Firstly, the elimination of the horse population as a source of VEE, which happened due to death, naturally acquired antibodies, or vaccination.
  • Secondly, the implementation of quarantines.
  • Thirdly, control measures to reduce mosquito populations were put in place as mosquitos are known vectors for the disease.
  • Lastly, the virus failed to establish a new cycle within the wild vertebrate population.
  • As a result, equines (horses) were highlighted as the most significant vertebrate host in the virus amplification and spread during a VEE epidemic.

Cite This Article

APA
Sudia WD, McLean RG, Newhouse VF, Johnston JG, Miller DL, Trevino H, Bowen GS, Sather G. (1975). Epidemic Venezuelan equine encephalitis in North America in 1971: vertebrate field studies. Am J Epidemiol, 101(1), 36-50. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordjournals.aje.a112069

Publication

American journal of epidemiology
ISSN: 0002-9262
NlmUniqueID: 7910653
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 101
Issue: 1
Pages: 36-50

Researcher Affiliations

Sudia, W D
    McLean, R G
      Newhouse, V F
        Johnston, J G
          Miller, D L
            Trevino, H
              Bowen, G S
                Sather, G

                  MeSH Terms

                  • Animals
                  • Animals, Domestic / microbiology
                  • Antibodies, Viral / analysis
                  • Birds / microbiology
                  • Disease Vectors / microbiology
                  • Encephalitis Virus, Venezuelan Equine / immunology
                  • Encephalitis Virus, Venezuelan Equine / isolation & purification
                  • Encephalitis Virus, Western Equine / isolation & purification
                  • Encephalomyelitis, Equine / epidemiology
                  • Encephalomyelitis, Equine / transmission
                  • Geography
                  • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
                  • Horse Diseases / transmission
                  • Horses
                  • Humans
                  • Insect Vectors / microbiology
                  • Mammals / microbiology
                  • Texas

                  Citations

                  This article has been cited 12 times.
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