West Nile Virus Antibodies in Wild Birds, Morocco, 2008

To determine circulation of West Nile virus (WNV) during nonepidemic times, we serosurveyed wild birds of Morocco in 2008. We found antibodies against WNV in 12 (3.5%) birds, against Usutu virus in 1 (0.3%), and against both in 2 (0.6%). High WNV prevalence among juvenile birds suggests local virus circulation among resident birds

Effects of agricultural management policies on the exposure of Black-winged Stilts (Himantopus himantopus) chicks to cholinesterase-inhibiting pesticides in rice fields

Black-winged Stilt chicks were captured during the breeding season (from April to August) from 2005-2011 in Doñana rice fields located near the Guadalquivir marshes (37º09N 06º08W, SW Spain), in 2009-2010 in rice fields of Sidi Allal Tazi and in 2009-2011 in rice fields of Larache (both sites in NW Morocco, 34º30N 6º16W and 35º11N 6º07W respectively). Birds were also sampled at natural ponds in the Doñana area in 2010-2011 (37º04N 6º27W), and in natural wetlands at Larache and a coastal lagoon in Briech (NW Morocco, 35º11N 6º07W and 35º31N 6º00W respectively) in 2011.The Junta de Andalucía funded this study through the project “Las aves acuáticas de Doñana y el cultivo del arroz: la interacción entre la agricultura y la conservación de las zonas húmedas”. This study was possible thanks to the INRA administration and CNRST-CSIC collaboration program (P2007MA01 and P2009MA01). GMT was funded by an I3P-CSIC grant for the formation of Researchers. MMH is supported by a Marie Curie Intra-European Fellowship for Career Development (PIEF-GA-2011-299747) within the 7th Framework Programme (FP7 2007-2013) of the European Commission.Peer reviewe

Study sites at Doñana (Spain), Sidi Allal Tazi and Larache (Morocco).

<p>Rice fields are shown in black and protected area in Doñana (DNP) is shown in grey. The natural areas are identified with symbols: Doñana (asterisk), Briech (square) and Larache (circle).</p