Editing American robin (section)

=== Diseases ===

The species is a known reservoir (carrier) for [[West Nile virus]] spread by ''[[Culex]]'' mosquitoes. While crows and [[jay]]s are often the first noticed deaths in an area with West Nile virus, the American robin is suspected to be a key host and holds a larger responsibility for the transmission of the virus to humans. This is because, while crows and jays die quickly from the virus, the American robin survives the virus longer, hence spreading it to more mosquitoes, which then transmit the virus to humans and other species.<ref name =NationalScienceFoundation2009>National Science Foundation: West Nile Virus: The Search for Answers in Chicago's Suburbs</ref><ref name =ScienceNews>[https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090220191318.htm Diversity Of Birds Buffer Against West Nile Virus] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180901044643/https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090220191318.htm |date=1 September 2018 }}. Sciencedaily.com (6 March 2009). Retrieved on 2012-08-23.</ref>

A successful West Nile virus vaccine has been administered to six 3-5 week old American robins. A [[DNA vaccine]] injected [[Intramuscular injection|intramuscularly]] resulted in a 400-fold decrease in average [[viral load]] that would likely make robins noninfectious and unable to spread disease. An oral bait is the preferred method of distribution of the vaccine as it would be easier and cheaper than intramuscular injection, but more research would be needed as the existing formulation did not work orally.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Kilpatrick |first1=A. Marm |last2=Dupuis |first2=Alan P. |last3=Chang |first3=Gwong-Jen J. |last4=Kramer |first4=Laura D. |date=May 2010 |title=DNA Vaccination of American Robins (''Turdus migratorius'') Against West Nile Virus |journal=Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases |language=en |volume=10 |issue=4 |pages=377–380 |doi=10.1089/vbz.2009.0029 |issn=1530-3667 |pmc=2883478 |pmid=19874192}}</ref>