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Studies on louping-ill virus (Flavivirus group) in wild red grouse (Lagopus lagopus scoticus)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 May 2009

H. W. Reid
Affiliation:
Moredun Research Institute, 408 Gilmerton Road, Edinburgh, Scotland
J. S. Duncan
Affiliation:
Inveraven House, Ballindalloch, Banffshire, Scotland
J. D. P. Phillips
Affiliation:
Calderbank, Lochwinnoch, Renfrewshire, Scotland
R. Moss
Affiliation:
Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, Banchory, Kincardineshire, Scotland
A. Watson
Affiliation:
Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, Banchory, Kincardineshire, Scotland
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Summary

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Studies were made to find evidence of louping-ill virus infection in free-living red grouse and relate this to their breeding success. In areas where ticks were abundant 61 (84%) adult grouse had antibody to the virus compared with 1 (10%) in areas where ticks were relatively scarce. Of 162 chicks tested 25 were shown to be viraemic. Infected chicks were of significantly less weight than comparably aged uninfected birds and the probability that they died was much greater than that of uninfected birds. It is concluded that the relatively poor breeding success in areas of high tick numbers was principally due to infection with louping-ill virus. The susceptibility of the red grouse to infection is discussed.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1978

References

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