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

Author

Listed:
  • Emmanuelle Münger

    (Erasmus MC)

  • Nnomzie C. Atama

    (Erasmus MC)

  • Jurrian Irsel

    (NIOO-KNAW
    Radboud University)

  • 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
    National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM))

  • 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
    Utrecht University)

  • Constantianus J. M. Koenraadt

    (Wageningen University and Research)

  • Maarten Schrama

    (Leiden University)

  • Chantal B. E. M. Reusken

    (Erasmus MC
    National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM))

  • Arjan Stroo

    (Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA))

  • Judith M. A. Brand

    (Utrecht Univeristy
    Utrecht University)

  • Henk P. Jeugd

    (NIOO-KNAW)

  • Bas B. Oude Munnink

    (Erasmus MC)

  • Reina S. Sikkema

    (Erasmus MC)

  • Marion P. G. Koopmans

    (Erasmus MC)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • 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 , 2025. "One Health approach uncovers emergence and dynamics of Usutu and West Nile viruses in the Netherlands," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-14, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-63122-w
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-63122-w
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Camilo Mora & Tristan McKenzie & Isabella M. Gaw & Jacqueline M. Dean & Hannah Hammerstein & Tabatha A. Knudson & Renee O. Setter & Charlotte Z. Smith & Kira M. Webster & Jonathan A. Patz & Erik C. Fr, 2022. "Over half of known human pathogenic diseases can be aggravated by climate change," Nature Climate Change, Nature, vol. 12(9), pages 869-875, September.
    2. Shannon L. LaDeau & A. Marm Kilpatrick & Peter P. Marra, 2007. "West Nile virus emergence and large-scale declines of North American bird populations," Nature, Nature, vol. 447(7145), pages 710-713, June.
    3. Diana Erazo & Luke Grant & Guillaume Ghisbain & Giovanni Marini & Felipe J. Colón-González & William Wint & Annapaola Rizzoli & Wim Van Bortel & Chantal B. F. Vogels & Nathan D. Grubaugh & Matthias Me, 2024. "Contribution of climate change to the spatial expansion of West Nile virus in Europe," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-10, December.
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