A new competitive ELISA detects West Nile virus infection using monoclonal antibodies against the precursor-membrane protein of West Nile virus

► Monoclonal antibodies against precursor-membrane protein of WNV were developed. ► WNV specific competitive ELISAs were developed using monoclonal antibodies. ► Little cross-reactivity was observed for antibodies against JEV, SLEV and MVEV. ► Antibodies against many strains of West Nile virus could be detected. ► The developed monoclonal antibodies compete with IgG antibodies in sera.