One Health approach uncovers emergence and dynamics of Usutu and West Nile viruses in the Netherlands

Emmanuelle Münger, Nnomzie C. Atama, Jurrian Irsel, Rody Blom, Louie Krol, Tjomme Mastrigt, Tijs J. Berg, Marieta Braks, Ankje Vries, Anne Linden, Irina Chestakova, Marjan Boter, Felicity D. Chandler, Robert Kohl, David F. Nieuwenhuijse, Mathilde Uiterwijk, Ron A. M. Fouchier, Hein Sprong, Andrea Gröne, Constantianus J. M. Koenraadt, Maarten Schrama, Chantal B. E. M. Reusken, Arjan Stroo, Judith M. A. Brand, Henk P. Jeugd, Bas B. Oude Munnink, Reina S. Sikkema () and Marion P. G. Koopmans ()
Additional contact information
Emmanuelle Münger: Erasmus MC
Nnomzie C. Atama: Erasmus MC
Jurrian Irsel: NIOO-KNAW
Rody Blom: Wageningen University and Research
Louie Krol: Leiden University
Tjomme Mastrigt: NIOO-KNAW
Tijs J. Berg: NIOO-KNAW
Marieta Braks: National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM)
Ankje Vries: National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM)
Anne Linden: Erasmus MC
Irina Chestakova: Erasmus MC
Marjan Boter: Erasmus MC
Felicity D. Chandler: Erasmus MC
Robert Kohl: Erasmus MC
David F. Nieuwenhuijse: Erasmus MC
Mathilde Uiterwijk: Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA)
Ron A. M. Fouchier: Erasmus MC
Hein Sprong: National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM)
Andrea Gröne: Utrecht Univeristy
Constantianus J. M. Koenraadt: Wageningen University and Research
Maarten Schrama: Leiden University
Chantal B. E. M. Reusken: Erasmus MC
Arjan Stroo: Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA)
Judith M. A. Brand: Utrecht Univeristy
Henk P. Jeugd: NIOO-KNAW
Bas B. Oude Munnink: Erasmus MC
Reina S. Sikkema: Erasmus MC
Marion P. G. Koopmans: Erasmus MC

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-14

Abstract: Abstract Mosquito-borne arboviruses, including Usutu virus (USUV) and West Nile virus (WNV), are emerging threats in Europe, with changes in climate, land use shifts, and increasing global connectivity influencing their dynamics. Understanding how these viruses emerge and establish in new regions is critical for mitigating risks and improving public and wildlife health preparedness. Here, we present a seven-year study (2016–2022, inclusive) documenting the emergence and spread of USUV and WNV in the Netherlands. We established a nationwide sampling framework integrating live birds sampling by volunteer ringers, dead birds referrals by citizen scientists and zoos, and mosquito trapping. Samples were analyzed using molecular, genomic, and serological methods. USUV was first detected in the Netherlands in 2016, caused major outbreaks in birds until 2018 and resurged in 2022. The dominant, enzootic lineage, Africa 3, co-circulated with sporadic introductions of lineage Europe 3. The first localized WNV lineage 2 outbreak occurred in live birds and mosquitoes in 2020, followed by a detection in a bird in 2022 and serological evidence of continued circulation, suggesting WNV is in an early stage of establishment. Our findings were crucial in detecting a human WNV outbreak, underscoring the value of integrated wildlife studies in detecting emerging threats to public health.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-63122-w

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