Serological Examination of Songbirds (Passeriformes) for Mosquito-Borne Viruses Sindbis, Tahyna, and Batai in a South Moravian Wetland (Czech Republic)

A total of 178 free-living birds of 14 species of 7 families of Passeriformes sampled in a freshwater reedswamp habitat in southern Moravia in July 2006 were examined for hemagglutination-inhibiting (HI) antibodies to Alphavirus Sindbis (SINV), and bunyaviruses Tahyna (TAHV) and Batai (BATV). Hemagglutination-inhibiting antibody was detected against all three viruses, but at different frequencies: SINV 0.7%, TAHV 14.0%, and BATV 6.8%. The survey indicates circulation of mosquito-borne viruses TAHV and BATV and very low, if any, SINV activity in the area.