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 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.