West Nile Virus as a Cause of Death Among Endangered Eastern Loggerhead Shrikes, Lanius ludovicianus migrans, in West St. Paul, Manitoba

Authors

  • Cory J. Lindgren 3534 Rebeck Road, East St. Paul, Manitoba R2E 1C3
  • Rosemary Postey Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives, Agricultural Services Complex, 545 University Crescent, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 5S6
  • Ken De Smet Manitoba Conservation, Box 24, 200 Saulteaux Crescent, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3J 3W3
  • Chris Higgs Prairie Crocus Services, 964 Windermere Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 1A1
  • Amy B. Thompson Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives, Agricultural Services Complex, 545 University Crescent, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 5S6

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22621/cfn.v123i1.669

Keywords:

West Nile virus, Eastern Loggerhead Shrike, Lanius ludovicianus migrans, endangered species, immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR, flavivirus

Abstract

In July 2006, three Eastern Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus migrans) nestlings were found dead in a nest in West St. Paul, near Winnipeg, Manitoba. The Eastern Loggerhead Shrike is an endangered form in Canada and populations are in decline. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical staining detected West Nile virus in the tissues of the nestlings indicating the cause of death. This is the first confirmed report of West Nile virus in wild populations of Eastern Loggerhead Shrikes in North America. These findings will challenge conservation biologists in their efforts to develop recovery and management plans for the endangered Eastern Loggerhead Shrike, as well as in the implementation of captive rearing programs.

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Issue

Vol. 123 No. 1 (2009)

Section

Articles

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