An Iowa State professor is using chickens across the state of Iowa to detect levels of the encephalitis virus in mosquitoes. The dangerous virus cycles between infesting birds and mosquitoes, said Rowley, professor of entomology.
Humans are especially at risk when the mosquito population becomes large.
The program to detect the virus, active since 1974, consists of three components, he said. The first component monitors the mosquito population on a daily basis. The second component is maintaining flocks of 10 sentinel chickens in specially constructed cages, Rowley said. While the chickens are in their cages, researchers test their blood weekly for the virus. Chickens are especially helpful in looking for encephalitis because of the unique connection between chickens and humans, Rowley said.