[Mike]

This article is from Billings Montana
http://www.billingsgazette.com/index.php?
2003/12/27

West Nile virus in hawk puzzles scientists
Associated Press

LARAMIE, Wyo. – Scientists are intrigued by signs of West Nile virus
in the feather follicles of a ferruginous hawk that shows no sign of
the virus in its blood.

The injured hawk was found on the prairie outside town and taken to
the Laramie Raptor Refuge.

Refuge Director Catherine Symchych said it remains uncertain whether
the signs of the virus in the feather follicles was due to the
presence of transmissible virus.

Terry Creekmore, with the State Veterinary Lab in Laramie, said a
bird infected with the virus usually remains infected three to six
days. The bird either builds up an immunity or dies from it.’

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