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Home / Equine Research Bank / Appl Geogr / Mapping eastern equine encephalitis virus risk for white-tai...
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.
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Publication Date: 2015-10-27 PubMed ID: 26494931PubMed Central: PMC4610038DOI: 10.1016/j.apgeog.2015.09.006Google 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 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

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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
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