Publikationsdatenbank

West Nile Virus and Usutu Virus Monitoring of Wild Birds in Germany (2018)

Art

Zeitschriftenartikel / wissenschaftlicher Beitrag

Autoren

Michel, Friederike

Fischer, Dominik

Eiden, Martin

Fast, Christine

Reuschel, Maximilian

Müller, Kerstin (WE 20)

Rinder, Monika

Urbaniak, Sylvia

Brandes, Florian

Schwehn, Rebekka

Lühken, Renke

Groschup, Martin H.

Ziegler, Ute

Quelle

International journal of environmental research and public health : IJERPH

Bandzählung: 15

Heftzählung: 1

Seiten: Article 171

ISSN: 1660-4601

Sprache

Englisch

Verweise

URL (Volltext): https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/15/1/171

DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15010171

Pubmed: 29361762

Kontakt

Klein- und Heimtierklinik

Oertzenweg 19 b
14163 Berlin
+49 30 838 62422
kleintierklinik@vetmed.fu-berlin.de

Abstract / Zusammenfassung

By systematically setting up a unique nation-wide wild bird surveillance network, we monitored migratory and resident birds for zoonotic arthropod-borne virus infections, such as the flaviviruses West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV). More than 1900 wild bird blood samples, from 20 orders and 136 different bird species, were collected between 2014 and 2016. Samples were investigated by WNV and USUV-specific real-time polymerase chain reactions as well as by differentiating virus neutralization tests. Dead bird surveillance data, obtained from organ investigations in 2016, were also included. WNV-specific RNA was not detected, whereas four wild bird blood samples tested positive for USUV-specific RNA. Additionally, 73 USUV-positive birds were detected in the 2016 dead bird surveillance. WNV neutralizing antibodies were predominantly found in long-distance, partial and short-distance migrants, while USUV neutralizing antibodies were mainly detected in resident wild bird species, preferentially with low seroprevalences. To date, WNV-specific RNA has neither been detected in wild birds, nor in mosquitoes, thus, we conclude that WNV is not yet present in Germany. Continued wild bird and mosquito monitoring studies are essential to detect the incursion of zoonotic viruses and to allow risk assessments for zoonotic pathogens.