West Nile Virus Infection in Killer Whale, Texas, USA, 2007

Abstract

In 2007, nonsuppurative encephalitis was identified in a killer whale at a Texas, USA, marine park. Panviral DNA microarray of brain tissue suggested West Nile virus (WNV); WNV was confirmed by reverse transcription PCR and sequencing. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated WNV antigen within neurons. WNV should be considered in cases of encephalitis in cetaceans.

Keywords

• West Nile virus
• killer whale
• Orcinus orca
• cetaceans
• nonsuppurative encephalitis
• zoonoses