A host stage-structured model of enzootic West Nile virus transmission to explore the effect of avian stage-dependent exposure to vectors

- We present a host stage-structured model for West Nile virus transmission.
- Biting rates vary across stages to test effects of differential exposure to vectors.
- Increased exposure of juvenile hosts results in earlier, more intense transmission.
- Exposure vulnerability and pathogen susceptibility increase transmission.
- Timing of vector growth and avian nesting is important for virus amplification.

Though seasonal West Nile virus (WNV) outbreaks have been widely observed to be associated with the end of the avian nesting season, specific ecological mechanisms accounting for this synchronicity remain poorly understood. In this paper we develop and evaluate a novel mathematical model of enzootic WNV transmission to gain insight into the mechanisms responsible for structuring WNV dynamics. We incorporate avian (host) stage-structure (nestling, fledgling, and adult) and within-species heterogeneity in the form of stage-specific mosquito (vector) biting rates. We determine the extent to which temporal fluctuations in host stage and vector abundance throughout the season, along with the differential exposure of these stages to mosquito bites, affect the timing and magnitude of WNV outbreaks in the vector population. We find heterogeneity in avian stage exposure, particularly an increase in juvenile exposure, to result in earlier, more intense transmission. The effects of differential exposure are dependent upon vector abundance, both at carrying capacity as well as during initial stages of nestling production.