Which birds are highly susceptible to the West Nile virus?

The choice identifying the corvid family birds as highly susceptible to the West Nile virus is accurate because this group includes species such as crows, ravens, and magpies. These birds are known to have a high mortality rate when infected with the virus, which distinguishes them from other avian groups. Their biological makeup may make them particularly vulnerable to the virus, leading to more serious health impacts compared to other birds.

In the context of West Nile virus epidemiology, corvids play a significant role as amplifying hosts; as they become infected, they can maintain and amplify the virus in the environment, thus increasing the risk of transmission to humans and other animals. This association is critical in understanding the ecology of West Nile virus and the dynamics of its spread through avian populations.