Arbovirus is short for arthropod-borne virus. Arboviruses are a large group of viruses that are spread by certain invertebrate animals (arthropods), most commonly blood-sucking insects. In the United States, arboviruses are spread mainly by mosquitoes. Birds are often the source of infection for mosquitoes, which can then transmit the infection to horses, other animals, and people. People are not an essential part of the life cycle for most arboviruses.

More than 100 arboviruses cause disease in humans. Most of these are classified into groups, or families. Among the best known are: alphaviruses, flaviviruses, bunyaviruses, and reoviruses. Each causes specific types of illness. These are some examples.

Alphaviruses

Eastern Equine encephalitis, Western Equine encephalitis, Venezuelan equine encephalitis

Flaviviruses

St. Louis encephalitis, Japanese encephalitis, Yellow fever Dengue

Bunyaviruses

LaCrosse encephalitis, Reoviruses Colorado tick fever  

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