FREE SHIPPING over $40
OVER 10000 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS
5% OFF ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS
100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEE
Analyze Diet
0
Applied geography (Sevenoaks, England)2015; 64; 66-73; doi: 10.1016/j.apgeog.2015.09.006

Mapping eastern equine encephalitis virus risk for white-tailed deer in Michigan.

Abstract: Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is a mosquito-borne viral disease that is often fatal to humans and horses. Some species including white-tailed deer and passerine birds can survive infection with the EEE virus (EEEV) and develop antibodies that can be detected using laboratory techniques. In this way, collected serum samples from free ranging white-tailed deer can be used to monitor the presence of the virus in ecosystems. This study developed and tested a risk index model designed to predict EEEV activity in white-tailed deer in a three-county area of Michigan. The model evaluates EEEV risk on a continuous scale from 0.0 (no measurable risk) to 1.0 (highest possible risk). High risk habitats are identified as those preferred by white-tailed deer that are also located in close proximity to an abundance of wetlands and lowland forests, which support disease vectors and hosts. The model was developed based on relevant literature and was tested with known locations of infected deer that showed neurological symptoms. The risk index model accurately predicted the known locations, with the mean value for those sites equal to the 94 percentile of values in the study area. The risk map produced by the model could be used refine future EEEV monitoring efforts that use serum samples from free-ranging white-tailed deer to monitor viral activity. Alternatively, it could be used focus educational efforts targeted toward deer hunters that may have elevated risks of infection.
Get Full Text
Publication Date: 2015-10-27 PubMed ID: 26494931PubMed Central: PMC4610038DOI: 10.1016/j.apgeog.2015.09.006Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
LinkedInCopy
  • Journal Article

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 developed a model to predict the risk of Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEEV) activity in white-tailed deer populations in Michigan. The model accurately predicted areas of high risk for EEEV transmission, which could help guide future monitoring efforts or inform interventions to reduce human exposure.

Objective of the Study

  • The primary aim of this research was to create and test a risk index model that could predict the activity level of Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEEV) within white-tailed deer populations in a specific region of Michigan.
  • The researchers wanted to enhance disease monitoring efforts by identifying high-risk habitats for EEEV, with the ultimate goal to potentially reduce the risk of human exposure to the virus.

Key Findings

  • The risk index model developed in the study successfully predicted the known locations of EEEV-infected deer manifesting neurological symptoms.
  • Habitats considered high risk were those preferred by white-tailed deer that were also near an abundance of wetlands and lowland forests. These areas provide the necessary conditions for the disease vectors and hosts, promoting the spread of EEEV.
  • The mean value for the predicted areas was equal to the 94 percentile of values in the study area, demonstrating the accuracy and reliability of the developed model.

Implications of the Study

  • The risk map produced by the model could be utilized to improve future EEEV monitoring efforts. By using serum samples from free-ranging white-tailed deer, researchers can more accurately track viral activity within specific populations and geographic areas.
  • The model could also be used to guide educational efforts for deer hunters who may experience higher risks of EEEV infection due to their proximity and exposure to potentially-infected deer populations.
  • Improving surveillance of EEEV within deer populations can help to better understand and manage the risk of transmission to humans and other animals.

Cite This Article

APA
Downs JA, Hyzer G, Marion E, Smith ZJ, Kelen PV, Unnasch TR. (2015). Mapping eastern equine encephalitis virus risk for white-tailed deer in Michigan. Appl Geogr, 64, 66-73. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeog.2015.09.006

Publication

Applied geography (Sevenoaks, England)
ISSN: 0143-6228
NlmUniqueID: 101085119
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 64
Pages: 66-73

Researcher Affiliations

Downs, Joni A
  • School of Geosciences, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, FL 33620, USA.
Hyzer, Garrett
  • School of Geosciences, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, FL 33620, USA.
Marion, Eric
  • School of Geosciences, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, FL 33620, USA.
Smith, Zachary J
  • School of Geosciences, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, FL 33620, USA.
Kelen, Patrick Vander
  • Washington State Department of Health, Olympia, WA 98504, USA.
Unnasch, Thomas R
  • College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, FL 33620, USA.

Grant Funding

  • R56 AI101072 / NIAID NIH HHS

References

This article includes 60 references
  1. Armstrong PM, Andreadis TG. Eastern equine encephalitis virus in mosquitoes and their role as bridge vectors.. Emerg Infect Dis 2010 Dec;16(12):1869-74.
    pmc: PMC3294553pubmed: 21122215doi: 10.3201/eid1612.100640google scholar: lookup
  2. Armstrong PM, Andreadis TG. Quantification of eastern equine encephalitis virus in field-collected mosquitoes to evaluate their role as bridge vectors.. American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 2010b;83(5):262–262.
  3. Bauer RW, Gill MS, Poston RP, Kim DY. Naturally occurring eastern equine encephalitis in a Hampshire wether.. J Vet Diagn Invest 2005 May;17(3):281-5.
    pubmed: 15945389doi: 10.1177/104063870501700314google scholar: lookup
  4. Berl E, Eisen RJ, MacMillan K, Swope BN, Saxton-Shaw KD, Graham AC, Turmel JP, Mutebi JP. Serological evidence for eastern equine encephalitis virus activity in white-tailed deer, Odocoileus virginianus, in Vermont, 2010.. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2013 Jan;88(1):103-7.
    pmc: PMC3541719pubmed: 23208886doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.2012.12-0236google scholar: lookup
  5. Bingham AM, Graham SP, Burkett-Cadena ND, White GS, Hassan HK, Unnasch TR. Detection of eastern equine encephalomyelitis virus RNA in North American snakes.. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2012 Dec;87(6):1140-4.
    pmc: PMC3516089pubmed: 23033405doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.2012.12-0257google scholar: lookup
  6. Burroughs JP, Campa H III, Winterstein SR, Rudolph BA, Moritz WE. Cause-Specific Mortality and Survival of White-Tailed Deer Fawns in Southwestern Lower Michigan.. The Journal of Wildlife Management 2006;70(3):743–751.
  7. Carpenter JH, Lee KR, Chancy OJS. The operational response to the 1980 outbreak of eastern equine encephalitis in southeastern Georgia USA.. Mosquito News 1981;41(4):785–789.
  8. . CDC Technical Fact Sheet: Eastern Equine Encephalitis.. National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID), Division of Vector-Borne Diseases (DVBD) 2014:1.
  9. Chu HJ, Chan TC, Jao FJ. GIS-aided planning of insecticide spraying to control dengue transmission.. Int J Health Geogr 2013 Sep 25;12:42.
    pmc: PMC3849282pubmed: 24066947doi: 10.1186/1476-072x-12-42google scholar: lookup
  10. Cohen SB, Lewoczko K, Huddleston DB, Moody E, Mukherjee S, Dunn JR, Jones TF, Wilson R, Moncayo AC. Host feeding patterns of potential vectors of eastern equine encephalitis virus at an epizootic focus in Tennessee.. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2009 Sep;81(3):452-6.
    pubmed: 19706914
  11. Dein FJ, Carpenter JW, Clark GG, Montali RJ, Crabbs CL, Tsai TF, Docherty DE. Mortality of captive whooping cranes caused by eastern equine encephalitis virus.. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1986 Nov 1;189(9):1006-10.
    pubmed: 3505915
  12. Downs JA, Gates RJ, Murray AT. Estimating carrying capacity for sandhill cranes using habitat suitability and spatial optimization models.. Ecological Modelling 2008;214(2-4):284–292.
  13. Mutebi JP, Lubelczyk C, Eisen R, Panella N, Macmillan K, Godsey M, Swope B, Young G, Smith RP, Kantar L, Robinson S, Sears S. Using wild white-tailed deer to detect eastern equine encephalitis virus activity in Maine.. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2011 Oct;11(10):1403-9.
    pubmed: 21736489doi: 10.1089/vbz.2011.0643google scholar: lookup
  14. Elvinger F, Baldwin CA, Liggett AD, Tang KN, Stallknecht DE. Prevalence of exposure to eastern equine encephalomyelitis virus in domestic and feral swine in Georgia.. J Vet Diagn Invest 1996 Oct;8(4):481-4.
    pubmed: 8953536doi: 10.1177/104063879600800414google scholar: lookup
  15. Estep LK, Burkett-Cadena ND, Hill GE, Unnasch RS, Unnasch TR. Estimation of dispersal distances of Culex erraticus in a focus of eastern equine encephalitis virus in the southeastern United States.. J Med Entomol 2010 Nov;47(6):977-86.
    pmc: PMC3052762pubmed: 21175044doi: 10.1603/me10056google scholar: lookup
  16. Estep LK, McClure CJ, Burkett-Cadena ND, Hassan HK, Hicks TL, Unnasch TR, Hill GE. A multi-year study of mosquito feeding patterns on avian hosts in a southeastern focus of eastern equine encephalitis virus.. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2011 May;84(5):718-26.
    pmc: PMC3083738pubmed: 21540380doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.2011.10-0586google scholar: lookup
  17. Estep LK, McClure CJ, Vander Kelen P, Burkett-Cadena ND, Sickerman S, Hernandez J, Jinright J, Hunt B, Lusk J, Hoover V, Armstrong K, Stark LM, Hill GE, Unnasch TR. Risk of exposure to eastern equine encephalomyelitis virus increases with the density of northern cardinals.. PLoS One 2013;8(2):e57879.
    pmc: PMC3585233pubmed: 23469095doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0057879google scholar: lookup
  18. Farrar MD, Miller DL, Baldwin CA, Stiver SL, Hall CL. Eastern equine encephalitis in dogs.. J Vet Diagn Invest 2005 Nov;17(6):614-7.
    pubmed: 16475527doi: 10.1177/104063870501700619google scholar: lookup
  19. Gottdenker NL, Howerth EW, Mead DG. Natural infection of a great egret (Casmerodius albus) with eastern equine encephalitis virus.. J Wildl Dis 2003 Jul;39(3):702-6.
    pubmed: 14567234doi: 10.7589/0090-3558-39.3.702google scholar: lookup
  20. Griffiths BB, McClain O. Immunological response of chickens to eastern equine encephalomyelitis virus.. Res Vet Sci 1985 Jan;38(1):65-8.
    pubmed: 2983407
  21. Hiller TL, Campa H, Winterstein SR. Estimation and Implications of Space Use for White-Tailed Deer Management in Southern Michigan.. The Journal of Wildlife Management 2009;73(2):201–209.
  22. Howard JJ, Oliver J. Impact of naled (Dibrom 14) on the mosquito vectors of eastern equine encephalitis virus.. J Am Mosq Control Assoc 1997 Dec;13(4):315-25.
    pubmed: 9474556
  23. Kilpatrick HJ, Spohr SM, Lima KK. Effects of population reduction on home ranges of female white-tailed deer at high densities.. Canadian Journal of Zoology 2001;79(6):949–954.
  24. Kovarik JL, van Beynen PE. Application of the Karst Disturbance Index as a raster-based model in a developing country.. Applied Geography 2015;63:396–407.
  25. LaBeaud AD, Gorman AM, Koonce J, Kippes C, McLeod J, Lynch J, Gallagher T, King CH, Mandalakas AM. Rapid GIS-based profiling of West Nile virus transmission: defining environmental factors associated with an urban-suburban outbreak in Northeast Ohio, USA.. Geospat Health 2008 May;2(2):215-25.
    pmc: PMC3140769pubmed: 18686270doi: 10.4081/gh.2008.245google scholar: lookup
  26. Loftin KC, Diallo AA, Herbert MW, Phaltankar PG, Yuan C, Grefe N, Flemming A, Foley K, Williams J, Fisher SL, Elberfeld M, Constantine J, Burcham M, Stallings V, Xia D. Five-year surveillance of West Nile and eastern equine encephalitis viruses in Southeastern Virginia.. J Environ Health 2006 May;68(9):33-40.
    pubmed: 16696451
  27. Lubelczyk C, Elias SP, Kantar L, Albert J, Hansen S, Saxton-Shaw K, MacMillan K, Smith LB, Eisen R, Swope B, Smith RP, Mutebi JP. Detection of eastern equine encephalitis virus antibodies in moose (Alces americana), Maine, 2010.. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2014 Jan;14(1):77-81.
    pubmed: 24359417doi: 10.1089/vbz.2012.1172google scholar: lookup
  28. Lubelczyk C, Mutebi JP, Robinson S, Elias SP, Smith LB, Juris SA, Foss K, Lichtenwalner A, Shively KJ, Hoenig DE, Webber L, Sears S, Smith RP Jr. An epizootic of eastern equine encephalitis virus, Maine, USA in 2009: outbreak description and entomological studies.. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2013 Jan;88(1):95-102.
    pmc: PMC3541751pubmed: 23208877doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.2012.11-0358google scholar: lookup
  29. Machado-Machado EA. Empirical mapping of suitability to dengue fever in Mexico using species distribution modeling.. Applied Geography 2012;33(0):82–93.
  30. Malcomb DW, Weaver EA, Krakowka AR. Vulnerability modeling for sub-Saharan Africa: An operationalized approach in Malawi.. Applied Geography 2014;48:17–30.
  31. McGee ED, Littleton CH, Mapp JB, Brown RJ. Eastern equine encephalomyelitis in an adult cow.. Vet Pathol 1992 Jul;29(4):361-3.
    pubmed: 1514224doi: 10.1177/030098589202900414google scholar: lookup
  32. McLean RG, Frier G, Parham GL, Francy DB, Monath TP, Campos EG, Therrien A, Kerschner J, Calisher CH. Investigations of the vertebrate hosts of eastern equine encephalitis during an epizootic in Michigan, 1980.. Am J Trop Med Hyg 1985 Nov;34(6):1190-202.
    pubmed: 3010751doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.1985.34.1190google scholar: lookup
  33. Molaei G, Andreadis TG, Armstrong PM, Bueno R Jr, Dennett JA, Real SV, Sargent C, Bala A, Randle Y, Guzman H, Travassos da Rosa A, Wuithiranyagool T, Tesh RB. Host feeding pattern of Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae) and its role in transmission of West Nile virus in Harris County, Texas.. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2007 Jul;77(1):73-81.
    pubmed: 17620633
  34. Molaei G, Andreadis TG, Armstrong PM, Howard JJ, Oliver J, Farajollahi A, Cuebas-Incle E, Montgomery W, Osborne M, Smole S, Matton P, Andrews W, Deschamps T, Best C, Cornine F III, Bidlack E, Texeira T. Vector-host interactions governing epizootiology of eastern equine encephalitis virus in northeastern USA.. American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 2010;83(5):58–58.
    pubmed: 0
  35. Molaei G, Andreadis TG, Armstrong PM, Thomas MC, Deschamps T, Cuebas-Incle E, Montgomery W, Osborne M, Smole S, Matton P, Andrews W, Best C, Cornine F 3rd, Bidlack E, Texeira T. Vector-host interactions and epizootiology of eastern equine encephalitis virus in Massachusetts.. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2013 May;13(5):312-23.
    pubmed: 23473221doi: 10.1089/vbz.2012.1099google scholar: lookup
  36. Morris CD, Baker WG, Stark L, Burgess J, Lewis AL. Comparison of chickens and pheasants as sentinels for eastern equine encephalitis and St. Louis encephalitis viruses in Florida.. J Am Mosq Control Assoc 1994 Dec;10(4):545-8.
    pubmed: 7707062
  37. Oprandy JJ, Olson JG, Scott TW. A rapid dot immunoassay for the detection of serum antibodies to eastern equine encephalomyelitis and St. Louis encephalitis viruses in sentinel chickens.. Am J Trop Med Hyg 1988 Jan;38(1):181-6.
    pubmed: 2829636doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.1988.38.181google scholar: lookup
  38. Ottendorfer CL, Stark LM. Targeted field sampling strategy for the detection and isolation of arboviruses from naturally infected sentinel chickens.. Abstracts of the General Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology 2006;106:634–634.
  39. Pandya J, Gorchakov R, Wang E, Leal G, Weaver SC. A vaccine candidate for eastern equine encephalitis virus based on IRES-mediated attenuation.. Vaccine 2012 Feb 8;30(7):1276-82.
    pmc: PMC3283035pubmed: 22222869doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2011.12.121google scholar: lookup
  40. Platt RV. Wildfire hazard in the home ignition zone: An object-oriented analysis integrating LiDAR and VHR satellite imagery.. Applied Geography 2014;51:108–117.
  41. Rey JR, Walton WE, Wolfe RJ, Connelly CR, O'Connell SM, Berg J, Sakolsky-Hoopes GE, Laderman AD. North American wetlands and mosquito control.. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2012 Dec 10;9(12):4537-605.
    pmc: PMC3546777pubmed: 23222252doi: 10.3390/ijerph9124537google scholar: lookup
  42. QDMA. QDMA's Whitetail Report 2009: An annual report on the status of white-tailed deer, the foundation of the hunting industry in North America.. Quality Deer Management Association; 2009.
  43. Rochlin I, Turbow D, Gomez F, Ninivaggi DV, Campbell SR. Predictive mapping of human risk for West Nile virus (WNV) based on environmental and socioeconomic factors.. PLoS One 2011;6(8):e23280.
    pmc: PMC3154328pubmed: 21853103doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0023280google scholar: lookup
  44. Roloff GJ, Kernohan BJ. Evaluating reliability of habitat suitability index models.. Wildlife Society Bulletin 1999;27(4):973–985.
  45. Rybarczyk G, Wu C. Bicycle facility planning using GIS and multi-criteria decision analysis.. Applied Geography 2010;30(2):282–293.
  46. Santini M, Caccamo G, Laurenti A, Noce S, Valentini R. A multi-component GIS framework for desertification risk assessment by an integrated index.. Applied Geography 2010;30(3):394–415.
  47. Schmitt SM, Cooley TM, Fitzgerald SD, Bolin SR, Lim A, Schaefer SM, Kiupel M, Maes RK, Hogle SA, O'Brien DJ. An outbreak of Eastern equine encephalitis virus in free-ranging white-tailed deer in Michigan.. J Wildl Dis 2007 Oct;43(4):635-44.
    pubmed: 17984258doi: 10.7589/0090-3558-43.4.635google scholar: lookup
  48. Snow WE. Feeding activities of some blood‐sucking diptera with reference to vertical distribution in bottomland forest.. Annals of the Entomological Society of America 1955;48(6):512–521.
  49. Sun E, Zhao J, Sun L, Xu Q, Yang T, Qin Y, Wang W, Wei P, Sun J, Wu D. Comprehensive mapping of common immunodominant epitopes in the eastern equine encephalitis virus E2 protein recognized by avian antibody responses.. PLoS One 2013;8(7):e69349.
    pmc: PMC3724843pubmed: 23922704doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0069349google scholar: lookup
  50. Tate CM, Howerth EW, Stallknecht DE, Allison AB, Fischer JR, Mead DG. Eastern equine encephalitis in a free-ranging white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus).. J Wildl Dis 2005 Jan;41(1):241-5.
    pubmed: 15827230doi: 10.7589/0090-3558-41.1.241google scholar: lookup
  51. Tengelsen LA, Bowen RA, Royals MA, Campbell GL, Komar N, Craven RB. Response to and efficacy of vaccination against eastern equine encephalomyelitis virus in emus.. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2001 May 1;218(9):1469-73.
    pubmed: 11345313doi: 10.2460/javma.2001.218.1469google scholar: lookup
  52. Kelen PV, Downs JA, Unnasch T, Stark L. A risk index model for predicting eastern equine encephalitis virus transmission to horses in Florida.. Appl Geogr 2014 Mar 1;48:79-86.
    pmc: PMC3993996pubmed: 24764607doi: 10.1016/j.apgeog.2014.01.012google scholar: lookup
  53. Vander Kelen PT, Downs JA, Stark LM, Loraamm RW, Anderson JH, Unnasch TR. Spatial epidemiology of eastern equine encephalitis in Florida.. Int J Health Geogr 2012 Nov 5;11:47.
    pmc: PMC3517371pubmed: 23126615doi: 10.1186/1476-072x-11-47google scholar: lookup
  54. Walter WD, VerCauteren K, Campa H III, Clark W, Fischer J, Hygnstrom S, Mathews N, Nielsen C, Schauber E, Van Deelen T, Winterstein S. Regional assessment on influence of landscape configuration and connectivity on range size of white-tailed deer.. Landscape Ecology 2009;24(10):1405–1420.
  55. Weber S, Sadoff N, Zell E, de Sherbinin A. Policy-relevant indicators for mapping the vulnerability of urban populations to extreme heat events: A case study of Philadelphia.. Applied Geography 2015;63:231–243.
  56. Wen T-H, Lin M-H, Teng H-J, Chang N-T. Incorporating the human-Aedes mosquito interactions into measuring the spatial risk of urban dengue fever.. Applied Geography 2015;62:256–266.
  57. Williams JE, Young OP, Watts DM, Reed TJ. Wild birds as eastern (EEE) and western (WEE) equine encephalitis sentinels.. J Wildl Dis 1971 Jul;7(3):188-94.
    pubmed: 5156487doi: 10.7589/0090-3558-7.3.188google scholar: lookup
  58. Williams SM, Fulton RM, Patterson JS, Reed WM. Diagnosis of eastern equine encephalitis by immunohistochemistry in two flocks of Michigan ring-neck pheasants.. Avian Dis 2000 Oct-Dec;44(4):1012-6.
    pubmed: 11195627
  59. Wilson JP, Gerhart KES, Nielsen GA, Ryan CM. Climate, soil and crop yield relationships in Cascade County, Montana.. Applied Geography 1992;12(3):261–279.
  60. Young SG, Tullis JA, Cothren J. A remote sensing and GIS-assisted landscape epidemiology approach to West Nile virus.. Applied Geography 2013;45(0):241–249.

Citations

This article has been cited 1 times.
  1. Stobierski MG, Signs K, Dinh E, Cooley TM, Melotti J, Schalow M, Patterson JS, Bolin SR, Walker ED. Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis in Michigan: Historical Review of Equine, Human, and Wildlife Involvement, Epidemiology, Vector Associations, and Factors Contributing to Endemicity. J Med Entomol 2022 Jan 12;59(1):27-40.
    doi: 10.1093/jme/tjab153pubmed: 34734638google scholar: lookup
Subscribe to our newsletter
Join 99,780 horse owners like you who receive our email updates on horse health and nutrition.