Coxiella burnetii is a highly infectious zoonotic pathogenic bacterium that has a major economic impact in the livestock industry throughout the world and causes unpredictable outbreaks in humans worldwide. Although it is known that birds are potential reservoirs of C. burnetii, their role in the epidemiological cycle of the pathogen has not been fully verified. Due to its non-specific symptoms and clinical sig...
Studies on Usutu virus (USUV) in Europe have been increasing through time, with USUV infection being identified in humans and animals. The emergence of USUV in Europe draws our attention to how an arbovirus is able to spread, adapt, and evolve in a unconventional environment. Understanding the epidemiological and evolutionary processes that contribute to the appearance, maintenance, and further spread of viral ...
The Bagaza virus (BAGV) belongs to the genus Orthoflavivirus (Ntaya serocomplex) and emerged in Europe, Spain, in 2010. The natural transmission cycle of this virus is perpetuated by Culex spp. mosquitoes and viraemic birds. The ability of BAGV to cause infection in several game birds from the family Phasianidae has been well-studied. BAGV is antigenically similar to other orthoflaviviruses from the Japanese en...
Wild birds may be involved in the transmission of agents of infectious diseases, including zoonoses, a circumstance which raises a number of public and animal health issues. Migratory bird species play a significant role in the introduction of tick-borne pathogens to new geographic areas, contributing to the dissemination of various etiological agents. This preliminary study aimed to assess the occurrence of fo...
West Nile Virus (WNV) has a zoonotic transmission cycle. Avian species are considered the definitive hosts, and mosquitoes and other arthropods are the main vectors. Humans are considered accidental and dead-end hosts, since mammals are unable to efficiently amplify the virus. We aimed at studying serological prevalence of WNV circulation in wild birds in Portugal.
West Nile Virus (WNV) is an RNA virus from the family Flaviviridae. It is transmitted by several genera of mosquitoes, with Cullex spp. as the main vectors identified in Europe and North America. Birds are amplifying agents and important to the transmission cycle, during the viremia period. Equines are considered dead-ends hosts and are recognized as sentinels of the virus in many countries.
West Nile Virus is one of the most widely distributed arboviruses in the world with zoonotic potential. Seroepideiological studies are necessary to establish proper prevention and control strategies. WNV-total antibodies were searched in blood serum using an ELISA commercial kit. Samples from 136 individuals of diurnal raptors were analysed, from eight distinct Accipitriformes species. Eleven nocturnal birds of...
West Nine virus (WNV) is an emergent zoonotic pathogen spread worldwide. This flavivirus is endemically maintained in a life cycle with birds acting as reservoirs, Culex mosquitopes as the main vectors, and human and horses as accidental dead-end hosts. The potential impact ofWNV infection on wildlife populations can be severe, especially in thjreatened or endangered species. This work might be useful as a star...
Coxiella burnetii is the causative agent of Q fever, a zoonosis of important public health concern, and a disease that has a serious economic impact on the production of farm animals. The role of birds as vectors of bacteria and other pathogens to farm animals has been suggested, thorough environmental contamination of pasturelands, water supplies and feed by avian drops. Migratory birds might also be the mean ...