viruses Review Mosquito-Borne Viruses and Non-Human Vertebrates in Australia: A Review Oselyne T. W. Ong 1,2 , Eloise B. Skinner 3,4 , Brian J. Johnson 2 and Julie M. Old 5,* 1 Children’s Medical Research Institute, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia;
[email protected] 2 Mosquito Control Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia;
[email protected] 3 Environmental Futures Research Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia;
[email protected] 4 Biology Department, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA 5 School of Science, Western Sydney University, Hawkesbury, Locked bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia * Correspondence:
[email protected] Abstract: Mosquito-borne viruses are well recognized as a global public health burden amongst humans, but the effects on non-human vertebrates is rarely reported. Australia, houses a number of endemic mosquito-borne viruses, such as Ross River virus, Barmah Forest virus, and Murray Valley encephalitis virus. In this review, we synthesize the current state of mosquito-borne viruses impacting non-human vertebrates in Australia, including diseases that could be introduced due to local mosquito distribution. Given the unique island biogeography of Australia and the endemism of vertebrate species (including macropods and monotremes), Australia is highly susceptible to foreign mosquito species becoming established, and mosquito-borne viruses becoming endemic alongside novel reservoirs. For each virus, we summarize the known geographic distribution, mosquito vectors, vertebrate hosts, clinical signs and treatments, and highlight the importance of including non-human vertebrates in the assessment of future disease outbreaks. The mosquito-borne viruses discussed can impact wildlife, livestock, and companion animals, causing significant changes to Australian Citation: Ong, O.T.W.; Skinner, E.B.; ecology and economy.