Molecular and serological surveillance demonstrates expanding circulation of West Nile and Usutu viruses in wild birds, highlighting imminent risks of human transmission.
Key Points
Circulation of West Nile virus and Usutu virus expanded across Germany during 2022, with Usutu virus lineage Europe 2 spreading westward from eastern regions.
Neutralizing antibody detection exceeded 20% for West Nile virus in endemic eastern zones in 2022, while dominant lineage 2 comprised 95% of sequences.
Molecular and serological analysis of over 2300 live bird blood samples and 3000 deceased avian organs tracked enzootic orthoflaviviruses nationwide.