RAF1 and infection: Given that NS5-V372A and NS5-H386Y variations contributed to the differences in IFN-α and β induction and replication efficiency between the GI and GIII strains in DEF, we examined the effects of NS5-V372A and NS5-H386Y variations on IFN-α and β production and viral replication in domestic ducklings, which have been used as an avian animal model for experimental infection with JEV[16, 22, 23].