Which vector-borne disease is most closely associated with pigs and poultry as reservoir hosts?

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Last updated: October 3, 2026 • View editorial policy

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Best Answer: Japanese encephalitis

  • Japanese encephalitis is the vector-borne disease most associated with pigs (and wading birds) as key amplifying reservoirs; pigs are the principal source infecting Culex mosquitoes that then transmit to humans 1, 2.

  • Rationale:

    • ACIP guidelines state JE virus cycles between Culex mosquitoes and amplifying vertebrate hosts, primarily pigs and wading birds; humans are dead-end hosts. Domestic pigs are the main infection source for vectors due to high-titer viremia and rapid turnover 1, 2.
    • Malaria, West Nile, and Zika are not classically linked to pigs/poultry as primary reservoirs.

  • Pitfalls:

    • “Poultry” per se are not the main reservoirs; wading birds (herons/egrets) are. The strong, guideline-supported reservoir association is with pigs 1, 2.

References

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