SEROLOGIC EVIDENCE OF JAMESTOWN CANYON VIRUS-INFECTION IN WHITE-TAILED DEER POPULATIONS FROM CONNECTICUT

We determined the prevalence and distribution of Jamestown Canyon (JC) virus antibody in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) populati ons in Connecticut, USA. Sera were collected from hunter-killed deer d uring 1993. Antibody to JC virus was detected by enzyme-linked immunos orbent assay (ELISA) in 92 (21%) of 446 deer sera, and was uniformly d istributed among geographic sites. Twenty-one ELISA-positive sera were tested and confirmed positive by plaque reduction neutralization test ing. This represents the first serologic evidence of JC virus in a res ervoir host population from the northeastern United States. No cross-r eactivity was seen with California encephalitis, Keystone, or snowshoe hare viruses, but a varying degree of cross-reactivity was obtained w ith Guaroa, Jerry Slough, LaCrosse, San Angelo, and trivittatus viruse s. We conclude from this investigation and previous isolations of JC v irus from mosquitoes in the state that JC virus occurs enzootically in Connecticut.