Dynamics of Bagaza, West Nile, and Usutu viruses in Portugal revealed by long-term serological surveillance in red-legged partridges, 2018-2022

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundBagaza virus (BAGV) emerged in Portugal in 2021. BAGV and other flaviviruses such as West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) represent emerging threats in Europe, yet uncertainties persist regarding their epidemiological status in Portugal.AimThis study aimed to elucidate the epidemiological dynamics of BAGV, WNV, and USUV in Portugal using the red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa) as a susceptible bird model species.MethodsSerum samples collected from a partridge population in Southern Portugal, between 2018 and 2022, were analysed to characterize exposure to flaviviruses through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA; n=468) and virus neutralization test (VNT; n=433).ResultsELISA test revealed an average seroprevalence of 58.1% for WNV and WNV-cross-reacting antibodies between 2018 and 2022, while 66.3% of individuals tested positive using VNT: 28.8% specific for WNV, 8.1% for BAGV, 2.1% for USUV and 27.2% for “undetermined flaviviruses”. BAGV seroprevalence was first detected in October 2021 (8.7%), alongside an outbreak detection, peaking in November 2021 (26.3%) and persisting until October 2022 (2.3%). WNV antibodies were detected throughout all sampling periods, with the highest seroprevalence in October 2020 (44.8%). USUV seroprevalence was detected until the BAGV outbreak in 2021, peaking in October 2020 (6.9%).ConclusionLong-term serological surveillance of partridges revealed endemic circulation of WNV and sporadic circulation of BAGV and USUV in Portugal. Notably, the highest WNV seroprevalence coincided with the human WNV outbreak in southern Spain in the summer of 2020, highlighting the role of red-legged partridges in the transmission/maintenance cycle and as sentinels of flaviviruses circulation.