West Nile virus neutralizing antibody prevalence in donkeys from northern Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of anti-West Nile virus (WNV) neutralizing antibodies in donkeys from two areas in northern Nigeria. METHODS: Serology was determined by a virus neutralization test in samples collected from 205 healthy adult donkeys. RESULTS: Fifty-seven donkeys (27.8%) tested seropositive for WNV. Donkeys from Zaria were 2.6 times more likely to have been exposed to WNV (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The results of this study demonstrate that this zoonotic pathogen is prevalent in these areas and that measures should be implemented to reduce the risk for both humans and equids.