Chronic Latent Infections of Birds with Western Equine Encephalomyelitis Virus.

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Abstract
Two hundred and eighty-four wild birds, including nine different species, were inoculated with Western equine encephalomyelitis virus during the period 1953 to 1956 and were held for observation in a mosquito-proof outdoor aviary. Virus isolations were made from one or more organs of eight birds at intervals of one to ten months following inoculation. This persistence of the virus in avian hosts and the finding that virus may recirculate in the blood stream subsequent to the period of active viremia indicate the potential importance of wild birds as long-term reservoirs and sources of virus infection for arthropod vectors.