Date: October 13, 2017
Source: University of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna
Summary:
Usutu virus, a flavivirus of African
origin, was first detected in Austria in 2001, when it caused a severe bird
die-off, mainly of blackbirds. The virus was active in the eastern part of
Austria until 2005, killing many blackbirds, but also other songbirds. During
10 subsequent years no Usutu virus associated bird mortality was observed in
Austria -- contrary to neighboring Hungary. Last year Usutu virus was
identified again in two blackbirds -- and in 2017 already in sixteen songbirds.
In another study Usutu virus was demonstrated in seven human blood donations
from eastern Austria, suggesting that human infections seem to be more frequent
than previously thought.
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