Serological evidence of West Nile Virus infection among humans in the southern Provinces of Morocco.

Introduction: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of West Nile Virus infection in the southern provinces of Morocco.

Methodology: A total of 250 sera, collected during 2012 in the province of Dakhla, were analyzed by microneutralisation assay.

Results: WNV-neutralizing antibodies were detected in 13 samples (5.

A reliable and reproducible experimental challenge model for peste des petits ruminants virus.

Experimental challenge protocols that consistently reproduce clinical signs of peste des petits ruminants in Alpine goats infected with a tissue culture-passaged peste des petits ruminants virus are described. The protocols can be used to carry out quality-controlled vaccine efficacy and pathogenesis studies under experimental conditions.

Experimental infection of alpine goats with a Moroccan strain of peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV).

Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) recently caused a serious outbreak of disease in Moroccan sheep and goats. Alpine goats were highly susceptible to PPRV with mortality rates approaching 100%, as opposed to local breeds of sheep which were less susceptible to the disease. The relative susceptibility of alpine goats was investigated through an experimental infection study with the Moroccan strain of PPRV.