Avian Vaccine for West Nile Virus Shows Promise

The first round of trials conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Fort Collins, Colorado, has produced encouraging results. In lab tests, American Crows inoculated with the recombinant DNA vaccine showed a 60% increase in survival rates over unvaccinated birds. The vaccine could prove especially valuable in protecting the many species of endangered and threatened species now being held in captive rearing facilities for eventual release to the wild as part of restoration efforts. This research is being funded by the American Bird Conservancy in partnership with the American Zoo and Aquarium Association and other conservation groups. Learn more about it in this press release from the American Bird Conservancy and in this post from the West Nile Virus listserv.