Which bird species experience high mortality from West Nile Virus (WNV)?

Crows experience high mortality from West Nile Virus (WNV) due to their susceptibility to the virus. Research has shown that certain corvid species, particularly American crows, have higher rates of infection and mortality compared to other bird species. This is likely linked to their immune response and the way the virus affects their physiology.

Crows play a vital role in the ecology of the spread of WNV, as their high mortality rates can influence virus amplification within the bird population. When crows die from WNV, it also indicates the presence of the virus in the environment, alerting public health officials to potential risks for both birds and humans.

In contrast, other bird species like finches, sparrows, and pigeons generally do not demonstrate the same level of vulnerability to the virus, resulting in lower mortality rates. Understanding the specific impacts of WNV on different bird species helps in monitoring and managing the disease, as crows act as sentinels for the presence of the virus.