Integrated environmental drivers and evolutionary history reveal conserved patterns of avian exposure to West Nile and Saint Louis encephalitis viruses

Abstract The increasing threat of emerging vector-borne diseases, affecting both humans and wildlife, necessitates a nuanced understanding of the complex interactions among vectors, hosts, and pathogens. Focusing on West Nile Virus (WNV) and Saint Louis encephalitis Virus (SLEV) activity in avian communities of central and northern Argentina, this study delves into the intricate dynamics of exposure risk employing phylogenetic mixed models. Contrary to expectations, ecological traits displayed negligible influence on exposure risk. Instead, temperature seasonality and altitude, emerged as crucial predictors. The phylogenetic signal indicated a conserved susceptibility along the avian evolutionary tree, with Furnariidae, Turdidae and Columbidae families exhibiting higher exposure risk. These findings challenge prevailing notions about the dominant role of ecological traits in mosquito-borne pathogens. The study underscores the need for a holistic understanding, emphasizing the intricate interplay of environmental, phylogenetic, and ecological elements in shaping avian exposure to WNV and SLEV, offering vital insights for future research and public health strategies. Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest. Footnotes ↵§ These authors share first authorship