Passive transfer of maternal antibodies to West Nile virus in flamingo chicks (Phoenicopterus chilensis and Phoenicopterus ruber ruber).
Passive transfer of maternal antibodies against West Nile virus (WNV) was studied in a captive population of Chilean (Phoenicopterus chilensis) and Caribbean flamingos (Phoenicopterus ruber ruber). Transfer of WNV antibodies from hens to chicks was documented and measured by plaque-reduction neutralization test. Hen titers were significantly correlated to chick titers. Mean half-life of maternal WNV antibodies was 13.4 days in chicks for which half-life was measurable.
Zoo New England, One Franklin Park Road, Bos ton, Massachusetts 02121, USA. ebaitchman@ZOONEWENGLAND.com
Eric J
EJ
Baitchman
Michael F
MF
Tlusty
Hayley W
HW
Murphy
D000818:Animals; D000835:Animals, Wild; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000097:blood*; D001715:Bird Diseases / Q000276:immunology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D001717:Birds; D005260:Female; D007112:Immunity, Maternally-Acquired; D008297:Male; D009500:Neutralization Tests / Q000662:veterinary; D014901:West Nile Fever / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission / Q000662:veterinary*; D014902:West Nile virus / Q000276:immunology*
D000914:Antibodies, Viral