[Prevalence of West Nile Virus infection in animals from two state zoos Tabasco].

Objective: To determine the prevalence of West Nile Virus (WNV) infection in animals, mosquitoes and employees from two zoos of Tabasco state, Mexico.

Material And Methods: WNV antibodies were detected by blocking ELISA in serum samples from animals. Viral RNA was detected by RT-PCR from mosquitoes and serum samples from employees at "Yum-Ká" zoo.

Results: Seroprevalence in birds was 25.65% (19/74) and 85% (6/7) in reptiles from "La Venta" zoo. Thirty-one percent of birds (50/160) and 34.48% mammals (16/29) at the "Yum-Ká" zoo, were seropositive. All human serum samples from Yum-ká zoo were negative by RT-PCR. A pool of mosquitoes (Culex quinquefasciatus) was positive for WNV.

Conclusions: The presence of WNV antibodies in animals from both zoos and the detection of viral genome in mosquitoes demonstrate the presence of WNV in this region and indicates a potential risk of infection in animals and humans.