Powassan virus infection in snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus).
Sera from snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus) trapped near Rochester, Alberta, Canada were tested for Powassan virus antibody by the constant virus/serum dilution neutralization test. Of 1264 serum samples tested, 137 had an antibody titer of at least 1:4 for Powassan virus. Ten hares were inoculated with Powassan virus in the laboratory. Viremia lasted 4-5 days and ceased with the appearance of Powassan antibody in the serum. Neutralizing antibody reached a peak titer of 1:119 on day 15 post-inoculation and was still detectable 13 months post-inoculation.
D000416:Alberta; D000818:Animals; D000835:Animals, Wild; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D001769:Blood / Q000382:microbiology; D004669:Encephalitis Viruses, Tick-Borne / Q000276:immunology; D004675:Encephalitis, Tick-Borne / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D009500:Neutralization Tests; D011817:Rabbits; D012621:Seasons
D000914:Antibodies, Viral