ANIMAL BIOSAFETY LEVEL 3 SUITE
In addition,
we have an animal biosafety level (ABSL)-3 suite
within the facility. Here we can conduct experiments
on birds infected with West Nile Virus as well as other
infectious agents. We (Frank Moore and Jennifer Owen)
have several ongoing projects in collaboration with
Dr.
Nicholas
Komar of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In particular, we are investigating the role of migrating
passerines in the dispersal of West Nile Virus (WNV).
In addition, we are looking at the WNV reservoir
competency
of Northern Cardinals and Northern Mockinbirds.
Recently, in
collaboration with Mary
Garvin at Oberlin College,
we received NSF funding to examine two ways
by which migrant passerine birds might be involved
in initiating the annual cycle of WNV.
Specifically, we will investigate the effects of immunosuppression
through exogenous hormones and artificially induced
migratory disposition on cryptic WNV infections in
captive gray catbirds (Dumatella carolinensis).
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