Table 2.

Relative comparison of clinical signs in rat strains after aerosol exposure to RVFV.

Clinical parameter	Wistar-Furth	ACI	Lewis
Fever (in rats that died)	Yes, +1 −2°C	Yes, +2 −3°C	Yes, +2 −3°C
Fever (in surviving rats)	No	Yes	No
Weight loss (in rats that died)	5–20%	10–20%	3–8%
Weight loss (in surviving rats)	None	Yes	Yes
Porphyrin staining*	+	+++	+
Ruffled fur	+	+	++
Hunched posture	+	+	++
Neurological signs**	−	+++	+++

^*Porphyrin staining occurs around the eyes/nose/mouth in response to stress or severe illness.

^**Neurological signs included circling or rolling in cage, head tilt, unsteady gait.