Detection of neutralizing antibodies against flaviviruses in free-ranging birds, Paraguay (2016-2018)

Saint Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV), West Nile virus (WNV) and Ilheus virus (ILHV) are flaviviruses maintained by enzootic transmission networks between mosquitoes and birds. They have been detected in South America, with no records for Paraguay. We detected the presence of neutralizing antibodies for SLEV, WNV and ILHV in free-ranging birds collected in Paraguay (2016-2018). Four positive samples were detected in resident birds: one SLEV (rufous-bellied thrush), one WNV (barred antshrike) and two ILHV (white-tipped dove and shiny cowbird). These results bring new information about enzootic activity of flaviviruses in Paraguay.