How is the West Nile virus primarily transmitted to hawks?

The West Nile virus is primarily transmitted to hawks through mosquito bites. Mosquitoes are the primary vectors of this virus, as they become infected by feeding on the blood of infected birds, which are the natural hosts of the West Nile virus. Once the mosquito is infected, it can then spread the virus to other birds, including hawks, when it bites them. This transmission cycle is crucial for the virus's spread within avian populations and can also lead to infections in humans and other mammals.

Rodent bites, blow flies, and contact with contaminated water are not established modes of transmission for the West Nile virus to hawks. Rodents and other mammals can be hosts for various diseases but play no significant role in the transmission of this particular virus to birds. Blow flies are more associated with decomposing organic matter and aren't vectors for this virus. Similarly, while contaminated water can harbor various pathogens, it is not a recognized method for spreading West Nile virus among hawks.